Mom Duty

I hope everyone experienced a truly delightful Mother's Day last Sunday. This year, my celebration took on an unconventional twist, but it beautifully underscored the deep and profound reasons I hold dear the privilege of being a mom. The day was a heartfelt reminder of the love, joy, and challenges that come with motherhood, making me appreciate every moment even more.

The weekend began on a high note as we gathered to celebrate Mother’s Day with our extended family on Friday, filled with laughter, love, and a delicious spread of dishes. Saturday was set aside for rest and relaxation with my immediate family, and I had not made many plans, allowing for a spontaneous day of enjoyment. I envisioned leisurely moments spent together.

However, the tranquility of the day quickly unraveled by mid-morning when I received a text and a call that no parent ever wants to hear. My oldest son was participating in a volleyball tournament when he sustained an injury that required immediate medical attention. The urgency of the situation hit me like a jolt. I quickly gathered my thoughts, discussing what had happened and how he was feeling. We devised a plan of action to address his injury promptly.

As my mind raced through potential next steps, my heart flooded with mixed emotions. First and foremost, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude that his injury wasn’t more serious than it could have been. I paused for a moment of prayer, seeking God’s healing and protection over him, whispering words of comfort and strength for him.

Next, I texted my son's prayer team, a group who are dedicated to offer prayer support and encouragement through challenging times. I knew their prayers could help lift his spirits. Finally, I had to make a decision regarding his care; I quickly evaluated options for medical facilities that could provide the best treatment for his injury.

The entire experience felt like a whirlwind of emotions. I found myself grappling with a profound sense of gratitude, tinged with sadness and worry. It was a turbulent concoction of feelings that I never expected to confront again so soon; only a few months earlier, I faced similar emotions concerning my other children and struggled to cope effectively then. Now, as I prepared to navigate this unexpected challenge, I hoped to learn from the past and respond with strength and composure.

As soon as my son pulled into the driveway, I dashed to the car, my heart pounding in my chest with a mix of anxiety and urgency. I quickly opened the door and gently helped him out, my hands trembling slightly as I wrapped my arms around him. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I watched him struggle to contain a torrent of emotions, each sob resonating with the weight of his pain.  As I held him tightly, I whispered words of encouragement, hoping to sooth the rising tide of fear that we felt.

Despite the gravity of the situation, my husband and I put forth every effort to remain positive and supportive. We carefully maneuvered him into the backseat of my car, ensuring he was secure and as comfortable as we could possibly make him in that moment of distress.

With urgency, we drove to the hospital, navigating the familiar route that felt so daunting under the circumstances. The fluorescent lights of the emergency room greeted us as we rushed inside, where I could feel the tension in the air. We waited, hearts heavy, for the doctor to assess his condition, clinging to the hope that everything would be okay.

The physician's assistant was unable to gather much information from the initial X-ray examination. While the X-ray revealed that there were no broken bones, it became clear that further investigation was necessary. To thoroughly evaluate the surrounding soft tissues, ligaments, and potential areas of concern, an MRI was deemed essential. After the appointment, we departed with crutches in hand, a supportive brace secured around the injured area, and glimmer of hope that the MRI would provide clarity and a path forward for recovery.

We made several thoughtful changes to the family room to ensure that my son wouldn't have to undergo any unnecessary discomfort. Given that we couldn't make any doctor appointments until Monday, we focused on creating a comfortable and easy environment for him in the meantime.

As I moved back and forth between the kitchen and my son's room, then to the family room, and back again, my thoughts whirled in a chaotic dance. This Mother's Day, which is often seen as a time for relaxation and indulgence, felt entirely different – it was a full-on Mom Duty day. My heart ached as I witnessed my son grappling with pain and distress; the anguish in his eyes pierced me deeply. Oh, how I wish I could swap places with him, willingly sacrificing my own healthy body parts to alleviate his suffering.

Though my husband is typically our family's culinary mastermind, I stepped up to contribute whenever he was tied up with other responsibilities. I scoured the internet for the most reputable orthopedists who accepted our insurance, tirelessly comparing reviews and qualifications. I researched imaging centers, hoping to find the best options for a speedy MRI that could shed light on his injury. In the midst of this whirlwind, I found myself brainstorming possibilities to support his collegiate volleyball aspirations, considering how this injury might impact his future.

My mind raced with thoughts and plans, leaving little room for rest or relaxation since that early morning call had shattered the calm of our day. Instead of enjoying the usual Mother's Day joys, I was navigating a storm of concern and urgency, driven by the love and duty that defined my role as a mother.

Even though the weekend was filled with unexpected twists and turns, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am incredibly thankful I was home to be there for my son.  I understood just how vital it was to be there for him, offering solace and understanding during such a turbulent time. Moments like these serve as poignant reminders of the strength found in being a parent, my children's mom.

Part II forthcoming.