Tags
Back Pain, chuck e cheese, Family, gonna be alright, january morning, life, sadness, Scoliosis, sky diving, spine, Surgery, Teddy bear, thirteen years
It was 5:00am that January morning, when my sister, my mama and I drove to the hospital. I was thirteen years old, wearing my PJ, and carrying my favorite teddy bear in the world. It wasn’t really a teddy bear it was more like a stuffed dog from Chuck E. Cheese’s that my brother had won for me when I was 4 years. It was my favorite, and the one I slept with for many years. It came with me that morning to comfort me through my surgery, and throughout the recovery.
The ride to the hospital had an eerie feeling, as if no one really knew what to say. My mother’s sadness and her fear was felt throughout the entire car, as my sister drove careful to the hospital. I didn’t say much. I just starred aimlessly at the clock, and observed how time just stood still. As if the minutes never passed, the seconds didn’t exist, and I was no longer myself. I faced the reality outside of my existence, protecting myself from the fear, the anxiety and acceptance. Silence was all that was heard that 20-minute drive to the hospital.
Some times words don’t come out even if you really want them to, because sometimes, there is nothing really you can say. The silence carries with it words of emotions that transcends through space, like electricity carrying voltage. The silence that morning was filled with more emotions than I could handle. The silence lasted right up until we made to entrance, when finally it was broken by the sound of Sweetbox, “Everything is gonna be alright,” and soon after my sister said, “this one is for you.”
It was true, everything was going to be all right, and I couldn’t think about it too much. Because heading into surgery, is a lot like sky diving, you can’t think about it too much, because before you know it your no longer in the plane, and your no longer in control, your life is in the hands of the Doctor.
We walked to the hospital, and soon after I was called back. My mama and sister went back with me. I was given a hospital gown, and once I put it on the nurse came into the room. She gave an IV and soon after she gave me a shot, a “Happy Times Shot.” I was feeling great, and I was ready to head into the surgery room. I gave my mama and my sister a hug and I was taken away. Right before surgery, the nurse asked my, “whose your favorite Disney character?” and well, I am not sure if I had the chance to respond. The next thing I remember was trying to sit up and several hands pushing me down, and then, I was out again.
Very touching…
Thank you for reading it ♥
This is so interesting especially as my son’s operation is so soon.
Oh good luck! I know how scary it can be. He is probably going to be extremely uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. The moment I woke up was probably the worst part. I felt like a piece of wood, and that is when it hit me that my “new reality” would be extremely stiff, which was kind of difficult to come to terms with. If you have any questions, or anything let me know, I’ve had more than one surgery so I would be happy to help ♥
What a beautiful post. I was right there with you in the car, watching all that strength collect between you and your wonderful family. You are a force to be reckoned with.
Thank you for sharing this x
Thank you for reading it and for such a lovely comment ♥
When I was in 8th grade, my back doctor told my parents I could have a back – straightening operation that would keep me in the hospital for 6 months, or I could wear the Milwaukee brace. My parents did not want me to miss that much school, so I got the brace. Needless to say, I didn’t like it, but I didn’t have to miss 6 months of school. I think that now, children with scoliosis get different treatments.
I just read in the Chicago Tribune that Nortwestern Memorial Hospital is in the midst of study for adults with scoliosis and how to deal with pain. I am going to find out what I can about it and forward to you any information that I find out about it.
That’s really nice of you, I would love to get any information that you find
I was really embarrassed about my brace when I was little, and I didn’t wear it. Needless to say, I ended up needing surgery. I didn’t miss six months of school, I was only out for 3, but when your 13, 3 months off is probably the best thing in the world 
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