In the last three years I have gone to the ER four times. I have three children, but these visits involve only one child. She's three. The odds are not looking good for fewer visits in the future to this fantastic wonder known as the ER. Her first visit was at 6 weeks (sinus congestion, cough, sporadic breathing) and Keith had just left two days before on deployment. Her second visit was for smashed fingers (she was leaning backwards on a chair, chair fell and her fingers were smashed on the slate floor) and Keith had just left the day before on deployment. Her third visit was for a head injury from a fall and Keith, surprisingly, was here, but didn't know about it until much later because he was flying.
Today marks our fourth visit and Keith is in Florida. Anyone see this pattern? Not really to my liking. She flung herself off the bed in my direction, I reflexively went to catch her. Many of you reading this know she has a tendency to do this and have experienced the surprise that comes from seeing this child launch herself at you when you least expect it. Bingo. That's my child. I caught her, but my finger went right into her eye. I knew what I had done the moment it happened, but I didn't expect the copious amount of blood that poured down her face or the obvious tear of the tissue on her cornea. Oh. My. Goodness. I called her doctor first and the recommendation was the visit to the ER. And then I sighed.
Of the four visits to the ER, three of them have been to the Good Samaritan hospital, about four blocks from my house. Those are the only times I have gone there. Caelan's name is the only one in our family that's in their system. The head injury visit was to Hershey Med. The people there were all very nice. Except the check-in nurse, who somehow thought that I had abused my child. I told her that her eye was all that was involved in my rambunctious child's accident, but was quickly informed that the question was directed at Caelan and I was not to answer. She really wanted Caelan to tell her if she was hurt anywhere else on her body. Caelan said 'Nope.' I suppose I understand the need for concern; there are many times it's necessary, but other than the injury to her eyeball, there were no others.
Anywho, final diagnosis for Caelan: Corneal tear/abrasion. If it's irritated tomorrow, we use the antibiotic ointment prescribed.
Final diagnosis for Mom: A nice cup of coffe and if any gray hairs appear from these yearly trips to the ER, they will be duly dyed. And I don't think much of the laundry will get done today.
