Well, tonight was our first trip to the Emergency room. Jadyn was running around the house, like she always does, laughing the entire way. Only this time, she slipped and nailed her head on the corner of her toy box. My heart dropped when I heard it and as Andrea picked her up, we both gasped as the blood ran down her face and the tears started to form. Both of us knew this was worthy of an emergency room visit. We have had accidents before, but nothing like this.
I dropped Andrea and Jadyn off at the emergency room entrance and then went to park. As I walked in, Andrea tells me that there are 7 people ahead of us. I thought to myself, surely they'll bump us up the list - after all its late and we've got a 2 year old with a bloody forehead -- right? WRONG - 4 hours later we are finally meeting with the Dr. who tells us she needs stitches (uhh...yeah...we kinda knew that.....).
They rigged her up so she couldn't move, but Andrea and I had to hold her down. This was difficult for both Andrea and I - but especially me. After all, I'm her dad - I'm supposed to protect her. Try explainin to a 2 year old girl that even though she is wrapped up like a mummy, and needles are piercing her skin, that this is for the best - it will all be better. There was no way for Andrea and I to do that. They covered up her eyes, probably so she couldn't see that they were doing anything to her as she was numb, but she could still tell that something was going on and cried out for both Mommy and Daddy. In one particular moment, when the cover of her eyes slipped a little bit, we locked eyes and I could see the extreme and utter fear in her eyes. It was almost unbearable. Andrea and I continued to talk to her so she knew we were there she eventually calmed down. She is a VERY strong girl and made her Daddy proud with the way she handled it all.
I know most parents make at least ONE visit to the Emergency room with their kids, but I hope I never have to do that again. Fear is a powerful phenomenon for most adults - I can't imagine what was going on in her mind as she was experiencing true fear for the first time.
2 comments:
I just got certified a couple months ago to be a Child Life Specialist. A Child Life Specialist works in a hospital and (among other things) helps the kids understand what's going on, brings them toys to help calm down, distracts them during an unpleasant procedure, and also helps the doc understand why sitting in a parent's lap is sooooooo much better for the kid, rather than holding her down to the bed. Basically deal with the kid's and parent's emotional needs. Wish I could've been there for you guys! Glad she's OK!
I just got certified a couple months ago to be a Child Life Specialist.
You are the second person I know who has this certification. I had never heard of it before, but after going through stitches with Jadyn, I would have loved to have someone like you there!
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