Compassion

The day after Thanksgiving, Eric threw his back out while playing football with the boys (Kevin, Mark & CJ, my 5th child who is really a bonus because I don't have to feed him or find a way to pay for college for him - really like that).  Anyway, he made it into the house, ate dinner with us, got around slowly all evening and went to bed.  In the morning when he got up it became apparent that things had worsened over night.  He took two steps away from the bed and collapsed onto the floor in excrutiating pain.  So, 911, ambulance, ER, lots of drugs (sadly, none for me), x-ray, and 3 hours later we arrive home.

First, Eric gets out of the car and makes it halfway to the house and is again gripped and yelling in pain.  I react by screaming "Do NOT go down to the ground! I will NOT be able to get you up!"  Hmmm.  OK, so Florence Nightengale I'm not.  But practical, right?  We made it to the hood of my car and neighbors (CJ and his dad) ran over to help and managed to get Eric into the house.

Next up...Brooke.  After Fred & CJ pretty much carry/drag her pained father into the house and carefully put him on the family room couch, she looks at me with a look of terror in her eyes and says, "He can't stay there, Mom! Joey is coming over later and we're watching movies!"  I guess the idea of watching Christmas movies with your boyfriend with your father on the other end of the couch looking like death warmed over because of all the pain meds he's been given is less than appealing, but really.  I need to work with her on her timing.  And, of course, her compassion.  That's it.  We need to work on her compassion.  But, maybe Eric is the better parent to teach that lesson.

Stationery card

Snowflakes Ribbon Christmas Card

Send Christmas cards personalized with your family photos.

View the entire collection of cards.