Thursday, May 8, 2008

Not bad, really good

On Tuesday I got a call from DJ's school.

When I heard the secretary's voice, my heart skipped a beat. It always does - when the school calls. But especially now since I have neglected one task that I have been meaning to do for almost 2 months. Long story short, DJ's medical alert bracelet broke awhile ago and I have been meaning to mail it in for a replacement. But I keep forgetting to measure DJ's wrist. So, I sent a note to the school outlining the emergency alert number along with DJ's client number, just in case they need to phone. Almost EVERY day I think of mailing it out for repair - and I just do not get around to it...my bad.

So, you can imagine how I felt when I found out DJ had been hurt in the playground.

DJ pinched his fingers in the play yard while gardening. My heart skipped a beat and I experienced a wave of panic. This was the first time DJ ever was injured while away form home, while on his own, while without a parent or grandparent near by.

I was assured that they did not think the fingers were broken and that DJ wanted to return to class. So, they gave him ice and allowed him to return. The call was just procedure when first aid has to be given.

The school called back about 40 minutes later to tell me that DJ now wanted to come home.

I loaded the other two kiddies into the van and rushed off to get DJ. Poor little Bug.

I get to the office and he is sitting in what appears to be an enormous chair - it must have been 10 feet tall - he seemed so little, so dwarfed in the big chair. Clutching his baggy of ice. Swinging his legs. He was not crying, but you could see faint tear lines down his face.

I asked my little CooCooBear how he was - "that's good" (his normal, really adorable way of saying I am OK) and he mustered a little smile.

His two fingers were very bruised. The nails were a very strange purple with little blood blisters along the nail. His injury must have hurt like a bugger.

I asked if his fingers hurt really badly - "No Mommy, it does not hurt very badly."

I hugged my brave little man and he then continued - "Mommy, it hurts very good. My fingers are doing a very good job of hurting".

Oh my! Tears came into my eyes. I hugged him tight.

I asked if he was ready to go home. He replied yes. I told him I was very proud of him since he tried to stay at school, but that it was OK to come home since he got hurt. - "Mommy, I wanted to go back to my class and play with my friends. But my fingers were hurting me very good and I did not want to cry in front of Samaya. She is so nice and I told her my fingers did not hurt. But they were hurting me and making me want to cry. I can cry at home and you can hug me."

I hugged my little man and told him that it is ok to cry if he is hurt - at home, at school or with Mommy or Daddy or with his friends. - "But Mommy, Samaya is a Sr. Bunny and I really like her and I want to be brave. And I wanted you to make it all better."

And with that statement he broke down in tears and collapsed into my arms. His mother's arms. I held him tight and kissed the top of his little head. All while hoping I really could make it all feel better.

What an amazing mothering moment. I realized how wonderful my bond is with my little guy. He trusted in my nurturing and healing ways, not only to show the physical pain he was feeling but, also to share how he felt about the his friend. I am his Mommy. I can make him feel better. I can make the hurt go away. I can. I am. His. Mother.

I can only wish, hope and pray that I can always be there for my children. I can only wish, hope and pray that I can make it all feel better - especially the pains that hurt really good - physical and emotional. Now. Always.

Or at least till the teenage years...



____________________
PS - Thank you everyone for sending my good friend Sue bloggy-love and support. She now is waiting for the results of her biopsy...we all are...and I will keep you posted, as long as you promise to keep her, and her left boob, in your thoughts and prayers.

26 comments:

Unknown said...

It always gets to me how they try so hard to be brave....I don't think I've ever asked that of my kids, but for some reason they think that will make me proud. But I do secretly love it when they melt down and collapse in my arms, because I need to know that they need me like that.....and that I am a source of strength for them. Just as you are for your children. It's always nice to get that reaffirmation, but not too often! I really don't want them to be hurt just for me to get it! :) Now, go and get that bracelet mailed....TODAY.

Family Adventure said...

Oh poor little boy. I am glad you were able to come and get him right away. Sometimes being with mommy is the ONLY way to make things better. Mommies are lucky that way :)

Heidi

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

Oh.MY.Goodness! I am totally crying here! What a sweetheart he is and how thankful I am for these years we are given to make it all okay. wow.

InTheFastLane said...

Trying to be tough, starts early. Thank goodness for mothers who can see through that and give out the hugs that are needed.

Tara R. said...

Such a brave little boy! Good job Mom! I hope he is feeling better soon.

Pregnantly Plump said...

Poor little guy! I have tears welling up in my eyes. So brave. I hope his fingers are ok, and I'm sure Mommy did make it all better.

Kat said...

Oh how absolutely precious! Nothing better than a mommy's love, is there? Just beautiful.

Kellan said...

Oh, your poor little sweetie - what a touching story. I hope he is okay - hope his little fingers heal soon and don't hurt anymore.

Take care- Kellan

AutoSysGene said...

Oh for the days mama's hugs and kisses make everything better, huh? Hope your little guy is feeling better today.

Jules said...

Oh, I hate it when those kind of calls come in, What a sweet brave kiddo you have. How's he feeling now?

~melinda~ said...

that's one sweet baby you have there. i hope he's better today...

melinda

Kellan said...

Hey Laura - Thanks for coming by. Funny story about your friends' daughter's birthday - HA! Have a good weekend - Kellan

Unknown said...

I hope DJ is doing better with his finger. The poor little baby. I am sending a hug to DJ from Chloe.

I have 2 braclets for Chloe just in case one gets lost or broken.

Even today I still love it when my parents put their arms around me when I am sad!
Love,
Anabella

Unknown said...

I love "They don't hurt badly...they hurt really good." I'm going to remember that for a good, long time. What a sweet, touching post.

Be well and have a great weekend!

Sniz

Barrie said...

Awww poor little guy. Thank goodness the school was so good about telephoning. And that you were so available.

Forgetfulone said...

What a great story for Mother's Day, too. Glad he is okay. And even more glad you could be there for him. What a brave little man.

Melissa said...

that is probably the cutest story I have read! That is so cute he was trying to be brave for a girl he knew. Too cute, plus sweet he was waiting for you!

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Anonymous said...

What a sweetheart. I love how expressive he is!

Hope you had a great Mother's Day!

Janet said...

Poor little brave guy. My heart stops every time I see the school's number on my phone. Usually it's just to tell me that my boy fell in the mud and needs new pants. Still.

Lainey-Paney said...

Awww....his little fingers were doing a good job of hurting. What a way to put a positive spin on it...

Don Mills Diva said...

What a gorgeous post - I just want to squeeze your brave little guy...

Anonymous said...

This might one of my all time favorite posts...I just love it. That sounds strange, I know, because I'd certainly not wish this painful little boo boo on DJ, but your story is just so precious and sweet surrounding it. Please give us an update on his little digits...and yes, you are a GREAT mommy.

Emily said...

Poor kiddo! He was so brave about the whole thing.

Forgetfulone said...

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CC said...

Awwwwwwww! I think I scare a LOT of parents when calling to set up meetings. They see the school's number in caller-id and go "oh no!"