February 1, 2005 6:45 PM
Maybe moms need Workers' Comp
Sunday was one of those rare days when I felt like everything was going right for me, mommywise. Got the fam to church on time, got everyone fed, then while Tripp took Sophia shopping I spent what seemed like an hour getting the kids into their snowgear so we could go out to play. I even remembered the digital camera and camcorder (which I've been too busy to get out for years).
Faithfully archived the sledding, snow angels, Zach's upside down snowman, Pippin our pug. 
Then the twist of fate: I was kneeling on the ground when I turned my head towards Daniel, who was standing two feet away and -- surprise! -- had just lobbed a snowball at me. It hit the side of my eye, which hurt so much it made me cry. But the pain only lasted 90 seconds and then it was on to more fun, dinner, baths, bedtime.
Later I started seeing what looked like shooting stars on the left periphery of my vision. It took an hour before I related it to the snowball. The next morning, I was looking through a Milky Way haze -- only black instead of white. The optometrist examined me and said it was vitreous displacement, no remedy, and it would take a few years for these "floaters" (the whole cosmos in my left eye!) to completely fade. The good news was my retina was intact.
Last night more shooting stars, this morning a thicker Milky Way, this afternoon another trip to the optometrist who looked a little longer and found a retinal tear, which is dangerous and can lead to blindness. And so on to the retinal specialist for immediate laser surgery.
Gulp.
You know those radio commercials for laser eye procedures. Forget everything you heard. It hurts. I had 132 jolts -- or whatever they call them --which I guess must be like stitches to seal the tear. And I may have more next week. And for three weeks I'm supposed to avoid sudden movements, falls, bumps -- any more twists of fate involving my head.
All from sweet little Daniel's snowball.
Sixteen years ago I was flying a kite in a field with my first four sons (five and under) when Josh ran under my legs and I fell and broke my arm. Who knows what other injuries my body has sustained while I've been on the job as Mommy?
Was there a warning label I forgot to read? Who knew kids could be so hazardous to your health?
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Comments
Ouch! Hope you feel better soon.
Posted by: Melodee | February 2, 2005 12:34 AM
Great pictures! I love Zach's snowman!! Or should we say snow person to be PC? LOL! Missed you on Sunday! Get better and we will see you this weekend for sure : )
Hugs to all!!
Posted by: jasmine | February 2, 2005 1:09 PM
Well, Barbara... if you're supposed to "avoid sudden movements, falls, bumps -- any more twists of fate..." then what Resort or Spa will you be spending time at for the next three weeks? And won't you miss your family terribly? ;-)
I love visiting part of your life. Thanks for all you do. I *truly* pray you will be able to rest and avoid injury or re-injury and that the LORD will enable to you do what is essential. blessings & love---pamela
Posted by: pamela | February 3, 2005 3:59 PM
