The number of times I’ve seen my life flash before my eyes since becoming a parent is legion. Not my life as it has been so far, but my life as it would be if something happened to Momo. This time was especially bad: it was a ‘childproof’ lid and it just popped off, easy as you please, and I was about to get into the shower.

“There but for the grace of God we go,” is something I find myself saying a lot these days, despite living in a secular/Buddhist household. It keeps me mindful that I am one moment away from tragedy at all times, and only providence – and vigilance – keeps us safe.