It is amazing how one simple slip can bring everything into perspective. On Thanksgiving, my daughter and I redecorated her room. She is five years old and pink is her favorite color. We painted one of her walls a light pink, we bought a pink dresser and put pink flower lights all over. The room became complete with a loft bed and a desk with a computer. When it was all complete, the room glowed with this happy pink color. My daughter was beaming from ear to ear and then said, “You are the best Mommy ever!”.
Not even a week later, the joy of the room was dulled. While eating dinner, my daughter got up to get a blanket from her room. Just a few minutes later, we heard a thud. The following 2 minutes, my life came to a complete stop. I found my daughter laying on her back completely dazed and confused. She had a hard time recognizing me. She was able to tell me she fell from the top of her bed while getting a blanket. She said, “I just slipped and fell on my neck”. We immediately called 911. I tried to comfort my daughter and calmly explain how important it was she stay awake and that she lie still. Thoughts were flying through my head, “will she be a vegetable?”, “will she be crippled?”, “what I have I done to my daughter?”, “how can I help her?”.
It seemed hours had passed by and I began to say “Where are the paramedics? What is taking so long?”. It had been 2 minutes since we called and it felt like an eternity. You know something serious is happening when 2 ambulances, 1 fire truck and 8 medics show up at your house. Within in minutes, they had her on a board with her neck and head secure. I was in the ambulance with my daughter.
All I know is the next time I see flashing lights come down the street, I will immediately pull over and pray for the family in there. It is a frightening and helpless experience.
The next few hours proved to be some of the toughest for me. Somehow I was able to maintain composure so I could reassure my daughter that everything was really okay. After 2 Cat Scans, several X Rays and thorough monitoring, the doctors gave me the best news ever. She was going to be just fine. She experienced a Moderate Concussion.
Having been in the hospital for over 24 hours, I had missed a day of work. It felt like time stood still. When I returned to the office, I realized how important it is to create a business that works without you. I thought a lot about the other families that go through emergencies with their children. Nothing else matters except for the safety and happiness of our children.
The experience gave me a much deeper appreciation for the time I get to spend with my daughter. Reading books, singing songs and snuggling with her are even more enjoyable.
I would love to hear what you have learned from life’s unexpected moments. Please comment on the lessons you have gained.
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