Mom where are you now?

When you get a call on your cell phone as you buzz through traffic
from your 19-year-old, who headed out half an hour ago on his
bike, asking in a strange voice, "Mom where are you now?," terror
covers your heart in an ice cold layer. "Why? What's the matter
Sam?," I asked. Sam's answer: "I've taken a pretty bad tumble on my bike."

I drove as quickly and carefully as I could through rush hour
traffic to the Brick Works where Sam said he'd be, and my husband
sped to the site from the opposite end of the city. Luckily
both of us had our cells with us and on, not always the case.
Thank goodness Sam had his cell, and was not so injured that
he couldn't call.

Sam in the hospital
black marker on bond paper
6 x 6 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

When we arrived Sam's normally rosy complexion was grey
green, and we loaded the bike and Sam into Steven's car, and
I followed up to Sunnybrook hospital. Our son is lucky. He has
a large bump, and massive bruise close to his groin, that missed
hurting him seriously, or cutting off the nerves to his leg by a
fraction of an inch. We chose the right emergency ward,
and they were prompt. In the hospital we wrapped Sam
in blankets and waited 2 1/2 hours to see a doctor, but that
was fast. The hospital staff treated him with care and kindness.

Hearing that your child is hurt, swiftly puts all other thoughts
in your mind into instant perspective. And knowing he'll be
fine makes the world right again.

Sam after the pain reliever
6 x 8 inches
marker on bond paper
Barbara Muir © 2009

My drawings tonight are of Sam in the hospital. A nurse
very kindly gave me paper. I seem to have lost the best one.
Oh well -- I have my boy and can draw him again.

Have a thanking-the-universe-for-the-people-you-love day.