You Knew There'd Be a Story, Right?

Because if you read this blog you either know me already and are aware of how my life goes or you are getting a sense of it by what you've read.  Or if you are new here, let me spell it out:  I am one of those people who, no matter how hard I try for it not to be this way, something crazy always happens.  Insert your favorite cliche:  Never a dull moment, It's always something, What can go wrong will, blah, blah, blah.

So in a bad karma, what you worry about the most, focusing on the negative, putting your energy into thinking about what can go wrong (a la, how NOT to follow The Secret), I couldn't stop thinking about those huge teeth, I am completely neurotic about Scott riding his bike, trying not to let him know I feel all these things kind of moment...

Scott fell off his bike after the first day of First Grade. 

I saw the whole thing unfolding before my eyes.  I am psychic that way.  Which begs the question of whether I truly am or whether I somehow bring this kind of shit on.  I knew it was going to happen.  Like a bad movie, where you can guess the plot because it is so obvious.

He got off the bus and I tried to hug him and he pulled away.  He was focused on asking the neighbors (twins who just started Kindergarten) to play outside.  I told him we needed to go inside and talk, like we had planned.  He said little, but insisted on going next door.  Finally, I relented, because I didn't want to get in a fight after not seeing him all day.  He begged the kids to come outside.  While he waited, he brought out the basketball.  "My muscles are tired, mommy," he said, puzzled.

When the boy next door emerged from his house, he went right to his bike and started pedaling around.  Not to be outdone by the younger child, Scott pleaded with me to let him ride, too.  "I'll go slow, right here on the driveway, please." 

"Okay." 

Except I knew it was a mistake.  Scott is not a very skilled bike rider.  He was tired.  He doesn't have the best balance.  He is not a quick thinker.

Within minutes, Scott was racing toward me on the bike.  I told him to slow down.  He panicked and jumped off the bike.  Well, he tried to jump, but he fell.  Right onto his face. 

Immediately, I scooped him up and ran inside.  One of the things I learned from my mom, both growing up and from working with her at the day care, is how to handle a hurt child.  Assess the situation.  Stay calm.  Ask if you can get a reasonable answer.  Be reassuring.  Even though I hate this sort of thing, I can handle it.

His mouth was full of blood and he was screaming.  I knew I needed to check his teeth.  Those big front teeth that I kept looking at.  Scott is horrible about cuts and scrapes.  He refuses to put ice on anything.  He kept crying, "I couldn't stop!"

After a long time, I finally got to check the teeth.  No wiggling, but they are scraped.  He was whimpering that he missed out on playing.  That everything was going wrong.  I felt so sad and responsible.

So, on Scott's second day of First Grade, he went to school with a big fat lip.  But life goes on.  He is healing up.   I think I can wait to get his teeth checked.

I remember when my sister got married and I was 21 years old.  I was so worried about doing something wrong on my big sister's special day.  I was the maid of honor and knew nothing about weddings.  Finally, someone said, just accept the fact that you will screw up somehow and stop thinking about it.  They were right. 

This is one of those life lessons I just can't seem to learn.  I like to imagine all the things that can go wrong, believing that then I can avoid them.  Futile.  I know.

A day later, as Scott was going to bed, he said, "Mom, I'm really lucky."

"You are?  Why do you say that?"

"Because, you know, my teeth could have gotten knocked out, or even worse.  I never seem to get hurt too badly and I never get sick.  I am lucky that way."

Oh, yes, you are lucky.  Thank you, once again, my wonderful son, for showing me the way.

I feel very lucky, too.

Comments

[kristen]

I know what you mean about watching it unfold and seeing it in your head about a split second before it happens, just enough time to get a glimpse but not enough time to change the outcome. Sigh.

I'm glad the teeth seem to be okay. Scott sounds like a pretty wise little guy. It's funny how kids, in their simplicity and wisdom, very often show us the way.

Hope next week is uneventful!

[Maddy]

You and me both dearie, and all our little kiddie winkies. Have a great weekend.
Cheers

[Delilah]

Ouch! Glad the teeth are still with him. You are lucky to have him.

[slouching mom]

Oh he's a wise one, that Scott!

Glad his teeth are OK.

[Laura]

Scott will always be lucky-it's obvious he knows "The Secret"! He's a tough kid, he'll be fine.