Parent's Job Is Never Over

Number 1 offspring is an advancing professional, mid 30s, who also engages is some very exuberant sports and recreation. This is someone who has been quite brilliant from the start, and tends to take good fortune for granted.

That "for granted" part always sits uneasy with me. So being told of the latest rather extreme hobby, I offered the following observation.

Papa: What with you having survived a near miss only last month, and now with you informing me of even riskier exploits, I guess you are still my acorn.

Eldest: ....

Papa: If you manage to survive your ever more elaborate challenges of death, I have no doubt you'll grow into a magnificent oak. But until then, you are just another nut.