True Gifts

I have a ways to go where final holiday prep is concerned.

More specifically, my wrapping is backing up.

Today, I am grateful for the reminder that life’s true gifts…

aren’t necessarily beautifully packaged and waiting under equally gorgeous trees.

Monday evening, Son #4 came home from karate with an enormous hand…

despite consistent icing.

Here is what Tuesday’s x-ray revealed:

A nasty thumb break, resulting in it being over 50% off, and involving the growth plate.

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

After multiple consults, rearranging plans of 3 months, in anticipation of out-of-town guests…

we sent #2,3, #5 and a dear friend to meet Seattle friends coming for a two-day Disneyland trek.

Did I mention, Tuesday was also Son #2′s birthday?

Spent in medical offices.

When this was mentioned…

his response was “I am fine.  Let’s focus on the need at hand, and get the job done.”

Gifts #1-#4: Young adult children who practice responsibility, compassion, prioritizing and flexibility.

He’s also currently leading the Disneyland charge as I type and we get ready to be on the road to join him.

Hero Hubby and I headed to Loma Linda University Hospital, where children are a priority and specialty.

Three words: ER Waiting Room.

Ever seen the holiday classic “Mixed Nuts”, starring Steve Martin, Adam Sandler, Madeline Kahn and other noteables?

We were living it, baby!

Two hours later…

Gift #2 surfaced.

Physician #1: “On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst pain you’ve ever had in your life, where are you?”

Son #4: “Consistently at 8-9.”

People who never complain are a blessing.  This kid is one consistently.  He never does!

After more x-rays, the orthopedic surgeon is called.

Two words: Doogie Houser!

Two more: Immense Blessing!

“I’m going to have to manipulate this.  It is going to be very painful.  I would like to not give you drugs to put you under; as I think having you work with me is an asset.

The drugs I will use, won’t take the pain away entirely.  In fact, it will still hurt terribly.  The choice is yours.”

Gifts #3-#5: Honesty, clarity and recognizing the agency of others in a time when medicine is in crisis after crisis, is refreshing.

Gift #6:

As this news comes, I watch the face of Son #4, as fear briefly clouds it.  Almost as quickly, he responds.

“I know that this will be very hard, but I can do it.”

Courage. Responsibility. Mental discipline and fortitude.

They are quietly and faithfully modeled and reinforced daily by this man.

It was breathing technique and focus, along with his faith that got Son #4 through!

Gifts #7-10:

Creativity, Passion, Tenacity, and Genuine Concern.

They all carried this doctor through when cast #1 failed…

the bone slipped, got stuck, refused to move, and discouragement set in.

In the end…

it responded!

It’s currently seated…

and next week will be rechecked.

If it’s fusing, a new cast will be formed…

and we’re on our way!

If not…

then surgery and a pin.

Either way…

Gift #11: there are two physicians who can say, (and did) “I’ve done my best.”

In the midst of it all…

four siblings, family, and friends…

texting, encouraging and praying.

Looking at the gifts I’ve already received…

my heart is filled to overflowing.

True gifts.  They’re everywhere.

May we seek to find them.

Merry Christmas!

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