Friday, November 2, 2012

Sympathetic Words

Just about the time that I begin to think I have one too many things on my plate, I do something really talented like fling myself out my front door and onto the concrete of the porch.

I am not even sure how it happened, but I was carrying a window screen that was dusty and needed to be cleaned.  The boys were playing basketball on the driveway, so I must have looked up at precisely the wrong time.
 
I do remember thinking SHE’S GOING DOWN and, just before I hit the concrete, I managed to do a quick scan to see how many neighbors were about to witness the spectacle. (Please do not even ask why I think of myself in the third person when I am about to do something really embarrassing, but I do.)
 
I landed right in the middle of the potted mum plants, and Andrew and David came running.
 
I tried to quickly survey the situation--a burnish on my right palm, a skinned knee, and a big goose egg had already formed on the outside of my twisted left ankle.
 
The boys came running and I started to cry when I realized that I wasn’t sure if I could get up without help.
 
Andrew said, “I’ll go get Dad.”
 
And David, after a moment of hesitation, announced “I go get a tissue.”
 
Have you ever heard such beautiful words?  I appreciate that Andrew ran quickly to get help, correctly surmising that Michael would be the best suited to hoist me up off of the front porch.
 
But, today I am thankful that David can be sympathetic when I am hurt.  He pays attention to how I am feeling and tries to help, in his own way.  Not all kids with autism can do that.
 
I will be fine.  The doctor said nothing is broken.
 
And then called back to say maybe something is just a little bit broken.
 
But it will heal with time.
 
I am sorry to report that the mums, however, did not survive the ordeal.

2 comments:

  1. What sensible sons you have! One runs for help while the other helps your heart. The very best of all worlds. But I'm so sorry! I had to smile - I would do the same thing - quick scan of the street for witnesses. Whew! Safe! Take care of yourself. Do not push it too much - just enjoy your plans!! Hugs.

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  2. I'm so sorry you fell (this sort of thing happens to me often), but I love love loved this post. What wonderful boys you have :-).

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