Many of you know by now that yesterday Ruby had an accident that required an ambulance trip, several hours in the ER at Regions Hospital, and a cosmetic surgeon/hand specialist. She suffered a finger avulsion while out shopping with her mother, which is the medical term for "getting the end of your finger cut off." (n.b. Do NOT google this term if you are squeamish or vomit easily!) It wasn't totally severed, but rather hanging precariously from a little bit of skin/tissue. I (Melissa) called 911 and Ruby was rushed off while Cecilia and I raced to the hospital in the van. Once there she was medicated for the pain, given x-rays, and then basically watched cartoons until the specialist could come in and repair her finger. It was a long and exhausting day but Ruby was incredibly brave - I suppose this happens when you're in the ER/hospital as frequently as she is - and the Motrin and ice cream have made the aftereffects manageable for Rubes.
As I explained to Adam this morning, I felt calm and in control the whole time yesterday. I did not panic, I spoke calmly and confidently to both of my children throughout the ordeal, made quick decisions, and the three of us took deep breathes together when things were especially scary. I feel really proud of the way I handled the incident, even though I was scared out of my mind. In fact, one of the paramedics even told me I was handling everything exceptionally well. But today, even as a I see Ruby playing (and fighting) with her sister just like it was any other day, I feel like I need to lay down and sob for a few hours to purge my body of the fear and panic that I managed to suppress so well yesterday. The need to keep one's children safe and protected is a powerful thing that I know all parents feel, and when that becomes even the least bit threatened it can be deeply upsetting.
Thankfully she will be fine (though she might never grow a fingernail again), and I will be fine, and if this is the worst thing that happens to us in 2010 then we've still got it pretty damn good. And the fact that it's New Year's Eve and we have several bottles of champagne chilling in the fridge just makes it that much easier...
2 comments:
Holy smackeronies! I just have to know, how did this happen shopping? Were you shopping for farm harvesting equipment? Man Oh Man.....!
I am writing to let you know that as I was relating this post to Peg, she told me that Marc (her youngest) had a finger avulsion when playing with Tommy (her oldest). Marc was 2 and Tommy was 5. Again, it wasn't totally severed but hanging by a bit of skin. This was pre 911 days so Peg wrapped a towel on his hand and drove him to the hospital. She survived and Marc did too. He did grow a nail even though she was told he might not. And I am very happy to report that the boys are both in their 40's today - happy and healthy.
And I think a nice long cry is probably in order. I also think huge kudos for handling such a traumatic event for all of you with such wisdom, love, and determination.
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