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The students in Ms. French's first grade class can teach you a lot of things, like what a measurement is, and why time is precious. But most of all, why you should appreciate those closest to you. This class has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, especially 6-year-old Michael Barnes.
In March, a moose knocked Michael unconscious while walking to his hillside home from the bus stop. It resulted in a skull fracture and surgery, and it's a story that's spread to his classmates and friends.
“It scares me when I see moose,” said Tristan Schilke, Michael’s friend and classmate. “It sometimes scares me when I’m not inside.”
Michael had to wear a helmet for a few months, to protect his skull, but now he proudly shows off his battle wound to his friends. His friends Tristan Schilke and Garrett Jackson remember Michael taking a break from Kindergarten while he recovered. Both were in Michael's class, and created a “get well” book with their classmates. And in that book, is proof that surviving a moose attack can be very attractive, especially when it comes to girls.
“Ahh, well she likes me,” said Michael shyly as he showed his giggling friends pictures of hearts.
But girls can't separate these three best friends. Michael says Tristan and Garrett are his two favorite people. Together, they’ve experienced something that even adults can learn from.
“I’m thankful because he survived,” said Tristan.
"I'm thankful for chickens," said Michael. "But not as thankful as me surviving that moose kick."
“What a reminder that things can change in a split second,” said Elizabeth Barnes, Michael’s mother. “We should be really thankful for everything we have every day. We just don’t know how long you’ll have it.”