Kiss MY Boo-Boo
When my girl was younger-- walking, climbing, and just finding her words--she fell off the chair, head first. I was sitting next to her, coffee in my right hand, her near my left. In one swift moment, as her sweet chubby-cheeked face plummeted, I caught her. Me, the bump-into-things-that-are-nowhere-near-me, woman, prevented her from banging her head, by grabbing her ankle and stopping her descent--her little nose two inches from the floor. If my husband hadn't gasped and congratulated me on my "good save", I may not have believed it! Either way, I was relieved to have caught her, mid-air. And, can you believe it, I didn't spill a drop of coffee!
Well, today, things didn't work out quite as nicely. My son and daughter were sitting in the recliner, my boy reading a book to us. Just as I turned from my paper, I saw Sophia leaning over the arm of the chair. Too far over! I said, "SOPHIA!" and reached to grab her. My wheeled office chair slid out from under my booty, and Sophia continued to fall, as I fell out of my chair, too.
My girl landed partially on her noggin'. Thanks to my effort, she didn't suffer a full impact. My toe did. Its kinda blue, now. But, hey, at least I broke her fall!
Here's the bad part. I lost it. A bit. You see, I spend a large portion of every day, telling her to sit down, and properly, in her chair. I realized today, that I've been an awful example! I sit crossed-legged or with one leg tucked under my other, nearly every time I sit. Even when I wear ball gowns. (k, thats not true. I dream of pretty dresses.) However, if she DID sit like me, it would be an improvement. She typically prefers to sit half on-half off.
I suppose, considering her sit habits, she's lucky to not repeat this scenario daily. But, yaknowhowitis, any injury is too much! Hmmff!
The thing is, I got mad. Moreover, its a RULE in my home to NOT get mad over accidents. Because, DUH, they're accidents. I scolded her, as I held her and checked her for bumps. And I teared up, too. I just couldn't help myself--she had scared me sillier and my foot and toe were hurting, too.
I calmed down and regained my Mommy senses. And cuddled her. And asked my daughter, "Do you know why Mommy got upset?"
"Because, I'm your best girl and you don't want me to get hurt." she answered.
Well, she's right. I reaffirmed that I wasn't mad at her accident, but that she MUST listen to safety rules!
She understood. And I understood. But, uggh, daggit, I hate it when My girl gets hurt.
And, now, I have a numbing toe, reminding to be calm, always help, always forgive, and always learn. Mommy makes mistakes, too. Thankfully, snuggles and apologies, help make Boo-boos better!
I love being a Mommy. But, wow, can it hurt!
Melinda
p.s. Oh great, Pretty Poison's "Catch Me, I'm Falling" taken over my Green Day lovin' self. Help!!
Posted by Mama Bear at 3/2/2010 3:05 PM 
Categories: Mommy World
Tags: accidents happen safety and children mommy life forgiveness indoor safety rules mommy world accident prone
Categories: Mommy World
Tags: accidents happen safety and children mommy life forgiveness indoor safety rules mommy world accident prone
"here's the bad part. i lost it."
girlfriend, i thought you lost your toe! i'm so glad you didn't. and don't beat yourself up for reacting in a very "mommy" way. i always (!!!!) cry when my girl gets hurt. and now that she's a teen, it's even worse than the bumps and bruises.
look at it this way: your best girl knows that her status doesn't change just because of a fall, or anything else! she's secure in her "best-ness" and so should you be!
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thanks, lynette!
so, do you wear your cape out, or tucked in?
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My Beth can fall just standing still. I'm serious.. it happens... alot. She sits the same way that Sophia does too. We have had a hundred spills and tears.. on both of us. I totally understand.
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i'm thankful you understand, but i'm sorry my niece has fall issues
our girls are strong, they will survive and thrive!
hugs
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