My Mom lived in Schenectady, New York with her Aunt Rae from the time she was four years old.
People in New York call it Upstate N.Y. In the winter months it snows. My Mother was about 8 years old and had been given a sled. Mom waited a long time for it too snow and one beautiful cold day lo and behold her Aunt Rae told her it was all right for her to use her sled and without any further instruction she ran up the hill, got on the sled, head first and went down a hill and ran smack into a tree. YES, she was knocked unconscious and was carried back home and put to bed. She did not open her eyes or speak. In those day, the year being 1908, you were not taken to the hospital, only back to your home. The doctor came to the house and told the family my mother was in a coma and nothing could be done, stated she would die soon and to prepare for her death. He stated he would not be back to the house. My Great Aunt Rae placed a black wreath on the outside door as was the tradition that death was near. She cared for her niece the best she could and on the fifth day my Mom opened her eyes, she couldn't speak as her lips were so swollen as were her eyes and surprised every one. A quick recovery and she was back in school but the sled was nevermore.