They're broken: A story

Picture it*: 2 years from now & Anderson is stalling bedtime because that is what he does.  

He is begging for a story, any story. 

"Tell me about when I broke my wrist!, " he will cry! 

And, I will give in and tell him a story because that is what I do. 

*If you were thinking "Sicily" then we might be BFF. 

Well, remember it was August and Bobble Cole was desperate for activities since Lily didn't start Kindergarden for a few weeks. She, Noni & Bop,  were amazing and took you & Max to Dollywood for the day. Apparently it was very crowded and you all played on the bars (and possibly picked up ecoli off the floor) while you waited for the car ride.

I was at work-the first day that teachers returned for the year-and in the middle* of a faculty meeting. Someone told me I had a phone call that was important. 

*Standing in front of the entire faculty sharing information about the year....

"It was Noni, wasn't it?"

Yes, it was Noni. She sounded a little frazzled, very un-Noni like, so I was a little worried. She said you fell and they were going to leave Dollywood. "But, everything is fine, he isn't even crying, "she assured me. 

So, I called and set up a doc appt for about 2 hours later and back to the meetings and putting out of fires I went. 

I received pictures of you and words of encouragement from Bobble Cole like, "I googled broken wrist and I can't tell. But, I think he is ok." 

And, "We are going to stop for nuggets and a sprite," from Noni. 

"Did I always love chicken nuggets?"

Yes, you have. Anyway, so I kept checking my phone during my ACT prep meeting and was not as worried because surely you are ok if you are eating nuggets. 

Then, I walked into the doctor's office to meet you & Noni and you looked so pitiful. It was very heart breaking, but I fought back the tears and as I climbed right next to you on the table and very carefully snuggled you. I was very grateful Noni was there. 

"When did I get the popsicle? Don't forget about the popsicle!"

You got that after the x-ray. That was really the worst part of the whole ordeal. 

"Why?"

You were in a lot of pain and they wanted to get a picture with your arm a certain way. You were crying, sitting on my lap and we were both sort of wearing one of those big cloak things to protect us from the x-ray juice. I finally figured out that if I held you a bit upside down/sideways, they could get the pic they needed.

"That was the only time I cried, right?"*

Yes, you were so brave the entire time. Actually, that is why we didn't think there was actually anything wrong! The doctor said you have a very high pain tolerance since 2 broken bones definitely hurt. After they took the x-ray, the doctor came in & said, "They're broken." My first thought was, "they?" I was thinking, "a." Then I had a little anatomy lesson about the TWO wrist bones (radius & ulna-I'm all over it now.)

"Was that the x-ray I took for show & tell?"

Yes, my first priority was to get a good pic because we were always struggling to find something good for the X week at school.

*It was not the only time. He also cried when he thought the cast was going to prevent him from playing golf with Bop.

"Then did we get the chocolate milkshake?"

Yes, I asked if there was anything that would make you feel better and when you said, "A chocolate milkshake,"  we were on it. Conveniently, there was a Sonic on the way to the orthopedic office.  (We also picked up a few happy hour drinks and a hot dog because...well, why not?)

Daddy met us at the orthopedic and told you all about his broken bones. (He's had a few; I married  a pretty hard core person.)

"And, you told me how Uncle Zack broke your arm and Bobble Cole was jealous."

Exactly. And, I held you very close when they were squeezing your arm in the cast because you were afraid and I think it hurt quite a bit. And,  I also told you all about how Harry Potter had to have all of his bones in his arm regrown after a bad spell in a Quidditch match. 

"It always comes back to Harry doesn't it, Mama?"

Yes, baby. It really does. 

"Is that when I picked out the neon cast?"

Yes, you went with a very subtle theme. And, you had on a matching shirt. So, there was pretty much no way we could lose you. 

"Did I like the cast?" 

Well...I am not sure you really even noticed it because you never missed a beat. 

It has been a week and so far, so good. Fingers crossed it doesn't get too wet, too itchy, too smelly or too annoying. It is a little difficult because he is right handed, but like always, this kid's resilience is one his defining characteristics. 

Also, our EYE journey has totally prepared me for this situation. SIX WEEKS is laughable. I mean, I hate it for him and it definitely is an inconvenience, but it's 6 weeks. And, it's not like he can remove it a million times and rip his eyelashes out in the process. 

I hope I feel this positive in a month....