Humpty Dumpty Should Have Had Glue

The day Humpty Dumpty fell from the wall there was no such thing as surgical superglue.  But unlike Humpty, Austin was successfully glued back together this morning after a fall at school.  We can now say that every boy we have cared for has been to the ER for stitches incurred while in our custody.  It is certainly not a proud boast, just the irony of raising boys, whether our own or someone else's.  Our first foster child Erin (yes, that is how his mother spells it) fell onto the fireplace hearth and split his eyebrow.  He was at the neighbor's house because ironically, Nichole was preparing to drive me to the ER for injuries I received breaking up a three dog fight. Mind you, I am not stupid.  All three dogs were mine and two were ganging up on one. Anyway, Erin fell and together we went to Children's ER where they had compassion and treated my wounds at the same time as Erin's.

Shortly after we received Isaac into our home he was felled by another student at his pre-school and split his ear. The fall and subsequent police report (required by the preschool) were more traumatic to Isaac than the stitches.  Considering his last experience with police was so negative, who would blame him for cowering behind Nichole's skirt. One year later, after Nathan learned to walk he tumbled full toddler-tilted speed into a reinforced corner of the wall.  By now, Children's had us on the watch list I'm sure.  Nathan sports a beautiful zig-zag Frankenscar down the middle of his forehead.

Well, Austin was terrified after hearing the stitches stories of his brothers.  He tried to be brave, and didn't cry at the thought, but I could hear and see the fear.  He whispered to the Dr. "I don't want stitches."  Austin's cut was only about 1/4 inch but it was deep.  The Dr. opted for surgical glue and Austin didn't utter a whimper as he pressed down on the cut.  Austin later confessed "the Dr. is happy he didn't give me stitches." When I asked him why, he responded "because I would have kicked him."

While mine are certainly not the only children to suffer head wounds and other injuries, as a mother I tend to believe no one else has gone through the pains of my own kids.  I am certain there will be more injuries along the way, as these boys do not know the meaning of "slow down" or "be careful."  I can only pray that each event is as easily managed.  The fear I now admit to feeling when told to come get Austin and take him to ER, was crushing. 

Every day I thank God for the health of my children.  Every day, I will remember that no matter how angry I am, no matter how exhausted or frustrated I become, nothing is worse than feeling your child's pain.