There's a type of tree called a banyan, and they grew all over the place when I lived in Okinawa. They're the perfect climbing tree, with branches everywhere. I remember one summer where I think I spent more outside time in our backyard tree than on the ground. Now, there's only one drawback to this wonderful tree. The root system spreads across the top of the ground at least half as far as the crown spread before going under. So when you fall out of the tree, you land on those.

"Dear Mom, today I learned that it is indeed possible to hit every branch on the way down. I learned that it is possible to fall past the branches and think you're safe, only to land on more branches called roots. Incidentally, I also learned to suck it up, learn and move on. I will be more careful in the future."

No one ever says those things to Mom and Dad, but I think that's why every kid needs recess.