The boys both had check-ups today.
They both needed shots.
I tried to prepare them without scaring them.
Ian went first.
BIG MISTAKE.
As I held his arms, the nurse expertly jabbed the first needle into his thigh.
OWWWWIE! OWIE OWIE OWIE!
The next four went in relatively fast, and with each one, Ian screamed louder and with more terror, to the point that Aidan, sitting in a chair not 6 feet away, started to scream WITH him. "No, no, nonononoNO!" Aidan cried.
Then it was his turn. He was as white as a sheet. He started to tremble, and begged, "No, Mommy. I don't wanna do it. No, no no...."
I looked at the nurse. She looked back at me as if to say, "I don't have time for this."
So I held Aidan as he received his four shots. He wriggled and fought and screamed like a banshee the whole time. It was horrible. We all had tears when it was over.
After the boys calmed down, after we all wiped our tears, and after I loved on them with every ounce of love my heart could muster, we walked down to the lab to have their fingers pricked. They were understandably apprehensive. Aidan looked at me with pleading eyes. I promised him it wouldn't hurt like the shots did. I promised him it was only one little stick. I told him that he had to go first, 'cause Ian had gone first for the shots.
My heart swelled as I watched The Big Brother muster all his courage and climb up on the chair. My eyes watered as he reached out for my hand and squeezed it. He bravely took his finger prick, and we talked about how cool it looked when the lab tech squeezed tiny drops of blood into the vial. I told him how happy I was to see that his blood was RED. That meant he was healthy, and most importantly, NOT AN ALIEN. We laughed.
Then it was Ian's turn. Before Aidan hopped down from the chair, he looked Ian right in the eye, and in the most loving, sincere voice I have ever heard in my life, said, "Ian. Don't worry. It doesn't hurt."
I embarrassed myself when I let a little gulp of cry escape from my throat.
So tender.
So sweet.
So protective.
Such a good Big Brother.
2 comments:
Okay, so I have to admit that I read your blog all the time...I love hearing what's going on in the Kocur family. When my son, Colson (age 5) had his shots shortly after his fourth birthday, it took two nurses and myself to hold him down for the four shot series. It was horrible, and we both were crying when it was over. The kids in the waiting room could hear the screaming, and that was not good, either. Scared them to death! Anyway, I can so relate to this, and so much more that you write about. By the way, we're leaving to go to Lake City, CO, today for a week's vacation. We'll be driving through Creede, and many other places you mentioned a few days ago. Your writing sparks so many of my own memories, that I really enjoy it. Just wanted to tell you thanks!
Valerie (vroberts)
Oh - the poor boys!!! :(
I am no big fan of needles either.
Aidan is a great "big brother" - broke tears to my eyes
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