Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Like a Blow to the Head, Only Better

I think the end times are coming. All across the internet I have been reading tales of how children and adolescents have been kind, compassionate, and less than terrible.

I have my own story to share, which should cement my Armageddon theory quite nicely.

Last Friday I was getting ready to take the kids into school. All four were tucked into the car, and I darted back into the kitchen for a cup of coffee to take with me for the drive into town. Coffee in hand, I locked the kitchen door and started to walk around the back of the car.

I didn't see the gray patch of ice on the floor of our carport and before I even knew what was happening, I had slipped, my body hitting the cement with a solid thunk as the wind knocked out of my lungs, the clanging of my favorite coffee cup ringing in my ears as it broke against the tail of my bumper.

Let me just pause for a minute to tell you what was going through my head as I struggled to breathe and get wind into my lungs so I could properly moan in pain. I stared at the ice patch that was now up against my cheek and nose and thought, Damn. That was my favorite coffee cup.

I had no expectations of what was to follow. I have often wondered what my kids would do if I were to accidentally maim myself in the kitchen while preparing them a meal. My guess would have been that they wouldn't have blinked an eye from their slug-like postures on the couch. I can picture one of them hearing the thud of my body making contact with the kitchen tile and calling over her shoulder for me to fetch some fruit snacks once I regained consciousness.

So, imagine my surprise when I bit it on the cement and within one or two seconds I heard the doors to the car swing open and found myself eye to toe with three pairs of feet (Jack, understandably, was harnessed in his carseat, although I'm sure a well of compassion bubbled in his baby gut).

"Mom! Don't move! Let us help you up!"

"Are you okay, Mama?"

"I'll go get you more coffee!"

And I was pulled, patted, and led to the driver's seat as if I had just hired my own set of hospital orderlies. The nice kind.

I cannot tell you how happy this made me. All day I floated on a cloud of spun sugar and sparkles as I recreated the scene in my head. I called my friends. I called my husband. We ooed and aaahed over their sweet behavior. I now scour parking lots for ice patches in hopes of recreating the lovefest that was my crash to the ground. My children cared! Enough to move their bodies!

It is a glorious time, and certainly a sign from above that the world is ending. Make your amends now, and go inflict a head wound in front of your offspring to test my theory if you don't believe me.

40 comments:

Nancy said...

I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt.

I'm sure the fall was worth the "feel good" warmth you had all day. =)

Don Mills Diva said...

Aww - they DO care about their mama's welfare (and even her coffee). Glad you weren;t seriously hurt.

Anonymous said...

Ooof. Ouch. That sounds awful, but darling and sweet of your offspring to take notice and actually help. The times I've fallen in front of my kids (and granted, they were smaller), their reactions were actually worse than mine, and mine were none too mature.

Perhaps you were hallucinating their good will from the bump on the noggin?

Glad you're okay.

Madame Queen said...

Although I had to laugh about the slug like position of the kids on the couch (boy am I familiar with that one!) I think their reaction has something to do with all powerful mommy getting hurt! You're not supposed to fall!

My mom slipped much like you described in her kitchen at Thanksgiving and even though I'm 35it freaked me right out!

Little Miss Sunshine State said...

If you're lucky they'll be like mine when they were 18 and 21. I had major foot surgery and for many weeks they grocery shopped, made me breakfast and lunch and my son drove me to therapy and doctor appointments.

I'm glad you didn't break anything as important as a body part.

Anonymous said...

It amazes me the level of compassion that comes from our kids. My two fight like typical siblings, but they are both there for each other when something happens. It makes you feel good that they did learn something from us.

Anonymous said...

Clearly you've raised them right!

My condolences on the loss of your favorite mug. I've lost a few faves of my own. Let's have a moment of silence.

Life As I Know It said...

Wow. What is it with all of these helpful children lately?

Yeah, I would be mourning my favorite coffee cup too!

Glad you're ok! And glad your kids were there to help!

K said...

Glad you didn't break your brain! And could you send some of those nice kids over here?

Sunshine said...

I KNOW one of mine would be worried and see how they could help. The other 3? It's a crapshoot. Good to know you've taught them concern for people who smack their heads. And that coffee is necessary for one's survival.

Mary Alice said...

Ohhhh owwww...boy, can I empathize with an ice fall. I see your point about the end times. Clearly it seems like something is up with the universe. Most important part here...your kids obviously understand the importance of coffee. I like that they offered to get you more. Coffee totally cures major brain joggling.

Liv said...

Mine are still up to no good. But, maybe the wave of cherubic children is sweeping the nation and just hasn't gotten to me yet.

the dragonfly said...

Kids surprise us sometimes, don't they.

Hope you're not feeling sore and broken. :)

Mrs. G. said...

Take this moment, place it in a box and tuck it on a high shelf for later use. It's a good one.

Sorry about your coffee cup.

Magpie said...

Oooh - they like you, they really like you.

Glad you weren't badly hurt.

Beth Cotell said...

What nice kids!

I'm going to confession right now just to make sure I'm ready for the end....

Orangeblossoms said...

lucky you....

and lucky you that you weren't badly hurt!

Also, cool about the kids.

Tootsie Farklepants said...

Confess...it was the offer to get you more coffee that sealed the deal, no?

Suburban Correspondent said...

I would have been amazed, also. I would have expected, "Does this mean we're not going to the library now?"

B.E.C.K. said...

OMG, I hope you're feeling okay! What sweet kids you've got there -- worth their weight in gold...or coffee. ;^)

imbeingheldhostage said...

ok, sending this post to every person I know (all six of them). I really was laughing (so hard that my kidneys stopped functioning) ;-}
Seriously, I hope you're ok, and not sore for days!!

B2G said...

OMG cutest story ever!

Keeping It Real said...

They really do love and care about us, it just takes an act of God --or a patch of black ice -- for them to show it sometimes.

By the way, I'd shoot the Pope to save my favorite coffee cup. (Just kidding, international security folks.)

Memarie Lane said...

I read on another blog earlier that the blogger's teenaged daughter actually set her alarm for 2AM in order to check on her sick mama.

Anonymous said...

Bummer about the coffee cup, but nice to know that they're paying attention . You didn't say, though, if they fixed your coffee the right way. : )

Beck said...

That's a sweet, sweet story, in a horribly painful sort of way.

dkuroiwa said...

Reading stories like this is great because it gives me hope that I, too, someday, will be noticed for more than just the food providing/clothes washing/house cleaning/full-time working/sometimes blogging/usually nagging/always loving mother that I am. I think I'll read this to my boys!!
Thanks....hope you get that coffee cup replaced and glad you weren't seriously hurt!

Girlplustwo said...

its so nice to see some of it paying off, isn't it.

painted maypole said...

i've been sick for a week. my child does not seem to care. i am not about to test this theory,I may kill myself, and then who will teach her to be empathetic?

moosh in indy. said...

And I'll bet that you have a remarkable bruise of honor to commemorate this glorious event every time you sit down.

the mama bird diaries said...

That is so sweet.

And now I feel hopeful that someday my children might actually do the same for me.

Love the coffee mug comment. Funny.

Fairly Odd Mother said...

WHERE YOUR HANDS IN YOUR POCKETS!??? ! Whenever I hear of a fall, I now think of Mary Alice's father's warning.

I'm so glad you are ok! And, your children are lovely.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

Maybe after this you should keep them!

Kristi B said...

Oh I love those babies of your's!!
p.s. I posted over at Life on 20 WW points. Check it out!

furiousBall said...

This is why my favorite coffee cup is plastic. Not as glamorous, but nearly indestructible (and dishwasher safe).

Kat said...

Awe. That is so sweet! I love the "I'll get you more coffee" comment. That is too cute.
And don't worry, the end of the world is not near. My kids have been especially bratty this week, so have no fear. ;)

Anonymous said...

You musta done something right with those kids.

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

I'm glad you weren't hurt, but I can totally understand your wish for more tumbles!

Anonymous said...

Im way to emoitional today but that bought tears to me eyes, what sweet kiddies you have

Daisy said...

You've obviously done right by your young ones. They are caring enough to help you up and bring you coffee, too!