Tuesday, September 16, 2008

crash

There we were, having a perfectly lovely Sunday. There she was, silently coasting away from us down the hill, as Fatty and I chatted to a friend who'd chanced by the same playground.

There was a godawful crash of metal-on-metal. "What was that?", one of us exclaimed. I moved around to where I could see the metal pedestrian bridge. There was a kid on a bike, sprawled over. Our friend, who was closest, ran down to help, Fatty following. I stayed where I was, thinking there were plenty of helpers. Then I saw the green shirt, and heard her begin to cry, quietly. My girl.

I dashed down. She had stopped crying already, but was pale and sweaty. Her chin was dripping blood. I held the gaping cut together with my bare hands to stop the bleeding. Fatty ran off to get the car.

In the ED, they joked with her and checked her over. Her jaw was tender and swollen just near her left ear; she couldn't open her mouth far. The doctor suspected a fractured jaw and I felt slightly sick, but the Xray came back clear. The jaw was only badly jarred. Sweet relief!

Laura lay still and dry-eyed as the doctor injected the local anaesthetic. She closed her eyes and said not a word as he stitched and snipped, stitched and snipped. We took her home and she went straight to sleep, uncomplaining.

Later she woke, whimpering and sweating, her eyes wild and scared. It took me ten minutes to calm the shaking.

Now she is languishing at home on her soft diet of yoghurt and mashed potato. I am kissing her and stroking her cheek and telling her she is the best daughter I've ever had, which makes her laugh.

It's good to hear that laugh.

13 comments:

Stomper Girl said...

Oh poor little thing. And she was so brave it's made me cry. Hope it is all better soon.

John Cowart said...

This must have been frightening!
Glad she's ok.

Susan Tidwell said...

As a mother, I know you felt every stitch and experienced every fear, thinking of you today (and of course your daughter! Hope she heals fast.

Michelle said...

Kids can be so amazing at bravery and like Susan said - I am sure you felt every stich. Hugs to Laura and to you.
shelly

Nestor Family said...

Oh my goodness! I do hope that she feels better soon!

Elaine said...

Oh my dear, how awful for you - and for her, but in some funny way worse for you because you can't just kiss it better

Wishing her a speedy recovery.

Zip n Tizzy said...

Oh no.
And this is why doctors don't doctor their own families. That sick feeling at the thought of the broken jaw... So glad she is well, but sorry for both of you for having gone through it.

Unknown said...

Aaaah, the joys of motherhood...
Poor Laura, what a brave little thing - but I guess it's all part of growing up. Doesn't everyone have a scar under their chin?

I do, and 2 out of my 3 kids do!!

meggie said...

I hate when kids are so brave like that. I would rather they screamed the place down.
So glad she is laughing again though. What a nasty fright for you.

Puss-in-Boots said...

Oh God, Jelly. What a heart stopping moment for you. Poor little brave Laura. I'm so glad she's ok...it could have been really nasty.

rel said...

Jelly,
Terror and relief just moments apart. The emotional toll is gigantic.
So glad the physical injuries were of a more minor sort.

(I tell my patients that they're the best pt. I've had today.)
rel

Alipurr said...

glad she is ok, though i am so late getting over here, it was long ago, and her chin is probably healing up with no scars, hopefully

i have been trying to get my mom to post some pics, anything....maybe we should gang up on her :)

Kerri said...

Goodness, it's ages since I visited! So much catching up to do.
Poor Laura! She's a brave little girl. I know all too well how much you felt her pain.
I hope the scar has healed well.