December 29th ~ Still Not Mother of the Year!

On Sunday, we were out making holiday visits to family.  We parked on a slippery hill.  When my daughter got out of the van, she lost her footing, and grabbed for the door frame -- at the same time that I (oblivious to her difficulty) slammed my door.  My door bounced off her arm - her wrist to be exact.  Of course, she howled, and said it hurt -- but that she was okay.  We took a look at it, and it did seem to be okay.  She could move it.  She mentioned it a few more times during the evening, and then again on Monday -- when we decided to call the doctor for an appointment.  Of course, the doc is swamped with all the post-holiday ailments - but his nurse promised to fit us in on Tuesday if we came around 11.  She also promised that there would be lots of waiting involved.

So, by 10:30, we were off to the doctor to "wait."  We're good at waiting.  Here's an example:  My daughter stepped in a hole in June, and twisted her ankle pretty good.  We kept thinking it was better (according to her reports), and waited to go to the doctor until August, when it was still bothering her.  They told us it was broken, but 90% healed already, and looking good.  Can you see my jaw hanging open at the news?  The tear in my eye?  I told the doctor, "I don't think I'll be receiving the "Mother of the Year" award this year.  He told me "no harm, no foul!  Things like this happen all the time!"  Hmmm, why doesn't THAT make me feel better?

On Tuesday, we arrived at the doctor's office a few minutes early.  The waiting room was busy.  By 11:00, they called us back, and the doctor was in the room in a matter of 10 minutes.  He checked my girl's wrist, ask her a few questions, and ordered up some x-rays.  Nobody was waiting in x-ray, so we were taken care of right away.  As I waited there, I really began beating myself up.  I was screaming at myself inside my own head, full of guilt - even though I knew it had just been an accident.  And then, there was a gentle tug at my soul - and the Lord was there beside me saying, "Let me carry that for you.  I've been here the whole time, you know."  {Do you ever get so far ahead of yourself that you think things are as good as they're gonna get, and you forget to even go to the Lord?  He's there the whole time, you know.}

As soon as x-rays were completed, the doctor was called, and he came back to look at them.  After checking from every angle, he said that he could only see swelling -- no fracture.  Can I just tell you... relief flooded my soul.  I knew what my sweet daughter had gone through with her ankle, and I didn't want that for her again.  I may never win "Mother of the Year" for my timing, or my judgment -- heaven knows!  But, if my kids are safe and healthy -- that is reward enough for me.

Of course, we are still waiting to hear for sure from the radiologist, but it seems that all is well.  A little ice, a little ibuprofen, and things should improve.  I'm so thankful.  I'm also thankful that the Lord tugged at my soul, and reminded me that I wasn't alone.

Psalm 46:1

"God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble."

Afterthought:  As I think back through the day, I realize that God knew I wouldn't be "up to" a lot of waiting.  That was probably the fastest visit to the doctor that we've had in a long time!