Photo Perspective

Yesterday was rainy at the "park" in the backyard. (We were blessed with a large wooden playset that Meister likes to call "the park".) Meister's favorite way to go down the slide is standing up - surfing style. With his amazing balance and quick reactions he is usually just fine, but I don't think he accounted for the wetness of the slide. Anyway, you get the idea. We're not sure if he went sideways or fell at the bottom, but he must have landed with his elbow extended and taking most of the force of the fall.

Meister was outside by himself when this happened. He came inside and CLIMBED INTO HIS TOP BUNK to "rest". How many times have I told him that his belly/eyes/aches will feel better after a little rest? "When we are sick, we need to rest. We can't stay home sick from church/school and run around the house." So he was in his top bunk whimpering by the time I realized there was something really wrong. My final clue? V yelling, "Mom! The bump on Codey's elbow is not where it is supposed to be!"

So we scrambled. "V, pack a bag with my iPod, earphones, and some books Meister likes. Siah, get a blanket to wrap Meister in." I IM'd Pete to come home ASAP, then warmed the van up. We made it to the hospital about a half hour after the accident. On the way, Meister was extremely nervous. He was afraid I would leave him at the hospital, he would get shots, the doctor would hurt him, and they were "going to kill me." Those big, teary eyes combined with his adorable, little, buzzed head just about broke my mommy heart. I was so thankful I got to be there to comfort him just then.

Intake, pain meds, x-rays, and finally a diagnosis. Meister endured them all stoically - only a few teardrops escaped down his cheeks. The waiting was tolerated (even included a few giggles) due to a couple of movies on my iPod. The earphones didn't make it all the way into the ER, so when the doctor saw that Miester was watching a movie with no sound, he actually let him borrow his own personal earphones. He even had a couple more movies on his own iPod he was going to let us borrow if we ran out before Meister was discharged. I was really impressed with this ER doctor - not hurried, personable, and understood kids.

We were sent home with a disc of x-rays, an appt with an orthopedic surgeon, a splint, sling, and a prescription for some heavy-duty pain meds. Meister slept well, and we headed to the surgeon this morning. To summarize, a corner of Meister's upper arm bone was sheered off and displaced at the elbow. He is going to need surgery, pins, and casting to repair it. It should heal just fine, but we will not know for a few years if the portion of growth plate on the displaced bone will grow at the same rate as the undisturbed portion. If it doesn't grow at the same rate, he could need more corrective surgery in the future. We pray that won't be necessary.

So Meister is scheduled for surgery this Friday at 3:00 p.m. on an outpatient basis. In the meantime the meds are keeping him comfortable and life is actually a bit calmer at home than normal. No arguing - the others are concentrating on catering to Meister's every desire. "Meister, do you want a drink? Mom, can I read Meister a book instead of doing the dishes?"