Alright, I've debated about whether I should post this on the 'ol blog for everyone to see but when it comes to events I want to remember, this definitely takes the cake for now. Actually, it's not that I'm putting it on the blog for fear I'll forget- that is not a possibility. I suppose I want to post the pictures for proof. Or maybe I'm still so baffled that I feel I need others to share in my bafflement. Whatever it is, I have chosen to proceed, but not first without a stern caution. If you have a weak stomach, I strongly advise you to look no further. The following pictures are not for the faint of heart.
I'll begin with an explanation which was foreshadowed by my previous post. Last night, Colby tripped on some steps and hit his head on a very sharp concrete step or short brick wall. We're not sure because no one witnessed it. This was the most terrifying of moments I have yet experienced as a mom and do not wish to experience it again. I did not handle it well- definitely not a shining moment for me. As soon as I laid eyes on the injury, panic set in and all I could say was, "Hospital. Get the keys. Hospital." We rushed Colby to the ER where he was stitched up and very well taken care of. The cut was so deep it was quite easy to see his skull, therefore causing my worst-case-scenario worry. Could there be a brain injury? Skull fracture? It was just a cut, but I think it's fair to say, a pretty dang bad one. He showed no symptoms of brain trauma and from the what the doctor could see, no skull fracture. As soon as I was told that (a few hours into the ordeal) I was able to stop pacing like a crazy woman and begin to relax. Colby was absolutely amazing and brave and I couldn't be more proud of him. He wasn't a fan of the stitching which was weird because most kids usually like people in white coats sticking needles in their head. We almost had to put him under for the stitches, but he pulled through. I'm not sure how much the "new Curious George movie" had to do with it, but he was quite pleased today to receive his reward. The best part was when we went to pick up Kara and how excited he was to show her his big bandaid and that he got ten stitches.
As a parent, you anticipate these moments with a feeling of dread, knowing that it won't be pleasant, not knowing how you'll react, but hoping you'll pull through. But until you experience it, you can't truly imagine. The feeling of terror and worry has never been so real in my life- and this was just a bad cut. Oh my gosh- I can't imagine how it might feel when you're child's life is truly in danger (although I did believe his was for a short time last night- I tend to be a little hypochondriatic). It makes me think about my parents and how they must have felt when my brother had a brain tumor and were unsure about his future. And those parents that have actually lost a child... I just can't fathom how that must feel.
Thank goodness for Cameron who was unbelievably calm and collected. This, coming from a man who passes out at the sight of needles and once passed out and threw-up on himself after seeing his friend in the hospital. (Sorry Cam, but it further demonstrates just how impressive you were last night). Cameron put me to shame as I was barely able to mutter my own name. I'll tell you what. He's the man you want in the cockpit when there's something wrong with your airplane. He does a heck of a job under pressure.
So our little Colby is all stitched up and doing fine. He's had no complaints of pain and is running around (not with my blessing since I've turned into an ultra paranoid mother) and acting like a normal four-year-old. I feel so blessed that this wasn't more serious.
He's been called little Frankenstein and Franky by a few people already. I'm still deciding how I feel about that nickname...
Here's a shot of Colby all bandaged up and sleeping.. It's hard to believe he had a gaping hole in his head just last night.
