#thoughtsandprayers

So today I had to take my youngest to the orthopedic doctor.  She has fractured her patella from dancing too much.  I love that child but she is my little medical money pit! She broke her thumb last fall. And is constantly having issues with her ears and manages to catch every bug that goes around.  Her principal was referring to her as Typhoid Mary during flu season.  And at one point the nurse suggested I keep her home for a few days as she seemed to be catching literally every single thing.

She is devastated that she will not be able to dance this summer.  This is a kid who goes 90 miles an hour at all times.  She dances 6 days a week.  She is a mathlete (super nerd).  She attends the gifted school 1 day a week and her regular school the other 4 days and manages to not only keep up with her regular school but is often ahead of the other kids.  She is mostly helpful at home.  She is 10, so maybe not as helpful as I'd like, but still pretty good. Her social calendar exceeds mine on every level.  So to tell her that she has to be still for the next 6 weeks is really hard for her to swallow.

Her main concerns were swimming and dancing.  She can do neither.   I know this is temporary.  I know forcing her to rest is the best thing for her.  But seeing her face drop just about took out my heart.  I want to fix it for her.  I want her to not hurt.  Basically I want my kid to be her happiest self. 

I realize that is what hover mothers say.  Must keep kids busy.  Must keep kids entertained.  That isn't me.  I am the first one to kick my kids out of the house on a nice day.  If they say they are bored and can't find anything to do, I offer them chores.  They typically find something to do really fast.  I turn off the TV frequently.  We don't play very many video games as I want them reading or getting dirty somewhere out in the neighborhood with their friends.  I have forced my children to become self entertainers.  But when a 10 year old has an immobilization brace, and can barely get around, there aren't a lot of options for finding her own adventure.

I know she will figure out a way to have fun.  But on day one of being still, I just don't know what that will be.  I don't know how to be still.  I am full of nervous energy and anxiety all the time.  I fidget.  I wander around the house.  I go walk around in our yard.  I find reasons to walk to the corner and back.  This will be a learning experience for both of us.  #thoughtsandprayers for our sanity