Today I am at the hospital, waiting for my second oldest son (pictured above) to get out of surgery. They just took him away, and it doesn't feel all that different than the time they took him from my arms when he was eight months old to perform a considerably more complicated surgery than this one. Some things never change I guess, and being a mom who worries is probably one of them.
Having said that, I am grateful for the comfort a priesthood blessing can give. When my son called upon a family friend to come over last night and assist my husband in administering that blessing, I was glad that both of these men are worthy and willing to serve my son in that way. It is a wonderful thing, my husband and I both realize, to have long-standing friends who care almost as much about your family members as you do.
The surgeon, who is performing a fairly extensive reconstruction of my son's basketball-injury-plagued ankle at this very moment, introduced himself to me earlier today. I was impressed by his obvious intelligence and capable demeanor. The same holds true for the highly personable anesthesiologist, who assured me that she would "take care of my son." (Is it wrong that I was glad in that moment that she is a woman and knows exactly what that promise means to a mother?) I'm sure it is an irrational feeling, but I freely own having had it.
At any rate, here I sit in the waiting room, a MacBook and this self-serving post my only distractions from the anxiety I can't help but feel. Does this anxiety signify a failure of faith on my part? I don't think so, for I'm confident my son will be both protected and healed. I mean, this isn't brain surgery, right?
That less-than-brilliant observation notwithstanding, and since I'm fresh out of more desirable options for passing time than self-analysis, I hypothesize that my stress level is a mother's natural, physiological response to what might be perceived as a threat (of any magnitude) to her child. In other words, I don't like anybody cuttin' on him. And I don't like him being put to sleep, either!
And that kinda sez it all.
=)
PS. This post was actually written yesterday. This morning my son is recovering nicely. Consequently, so his mother! =)
4 comments:
So happy to hear mother and son are both recovering nicely! I completely understood what you wrote about the anesthesiologist. I also think your hypothesis regarding a mother's natural, physiological response is right on!
Wishing your son a speedy recovery, and all the best!
Me too!! So glad all is well! Totally understand about hospital angst.
sue, thank you so much for your comments. i wanted to tell you how much your post comforted me last night, but never got the chance to leave a comment, so thanks!
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