Thirteen year old Hayley spent a fair amount of time these past few days being x-rayed and examined. She injured her arm doing a Round-Off Back Handspring at her gymnastics class.
Since her dad was with her when it happened, he took her to the E.R., while I stayed home with her sisters. She came home with a large green cast (up past her elbow) and a large blue sling for her arm. Diagnosis, might be broken, might not. (Even after an X-Ray).
The next morning, I was able to get her an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, and again, due to other obligations, I wasn't able to be with her. Gregg accompanied her, and went over treatment with the Doctor.
I have been with Hayley (and all my girls) through every illness and broken bone since her birth. We've dealt with ear infections, pneumonia, strep throat, asthma, allergy testing, vomit, dehydration, high fevers, nebulizer (spelling?) treatments, broken fingers, etc. Not being the primary parent throughout this new ordeal has been VERY difficult. She needs to rewrap her arm, and I don't know how. She wants to take the sling off for the evening, and I don't really know if she's allowed. I'm grateful my husband was there for her, but admittedly a little jealous, that I'm not the only one she needs.
When she was a baby, I was the only one. I nursed her, so it was ME and only ME who could soothe her when she was hungry. She was extremely fussy, (I REALLY DO KNOW ABOUT COLIC) and I would hold and rock her for hours at a time. She would cry hysterically when I would leave her at her preschool class and she listened to me read her stories every night before bed. She really needed me.
Now that she's hit her teen years, she needs me less and less. (At least she thinks she does). But I realize I as they get older, we needed to loosen the leash a little, and let them make some of their own choices and decisions. Its just hard on a mommy's ego. Even though it was hard to leave a crying child at preschool, or nursing at all hours of the night, it was really nice to be so NEEDED.
Of course, I wouldn't wish an injury on her, not in a million years, but if there's a silver lining to this situation, it is a selfish one. Now that she's working with one arm, she needs my help, with her hair, with getting dressed. And even though this is tough for her, I am embarrassed to admit, that I actually felt grateful for the opportunity to help her. It felt kinda nice to really be needed like that once again, and to share those sweet moments once more. Now, lets just hope that what might be a break is actually just a sprain, so that she can have a fun and comfortable summer!
2 comments:
Yes, Hayley is growing up. I know you know how I feel. We used to be the bestest of friends....and I really miss my three times a day phone calls with her. I know one day she will be "back"...but for now, my heart is really longing for that kid. Make sure she knows how much I love her.
I understand Wendi's comments b/c my niece who will be 18 doesn't call me as much - I can only imagine how it feels when your the mom! My son is 7 and still needs me but I was just thinking about this recently as I'm seeing neighborhood kids (not much older than mine) act much differently. Your summer sounds like it's going to be so much fun - will definitely miss your blogging .
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