When Our Kids Hurt

By Kim Roberts

What started out as a regular Wednesday, quickly turned into a day that I will never forget.

My youngest daughter eagerly ran out to her regular tumbling lesson as I yelled behind her asking what she wanted for dinner. I had just started to pull chicken from the refrigerator when my phone rang, and her instructor’s name flashed across my screen and my heart sank – I knew that it was bad news.

This was the call every cheer mom dreads.

Her sweet instructor calmly says, “Ms. Kim, I’ve never seen this before, but she has broken both of her ankles, get to the gym quick.” I could hear her screaming in the background, which is even more heart wrenching since I know my daughter has a high threshold for pain.

My heart stopped, I said a prayer – several prayers – as my husband and I ran to the car and sped to the gym to face one of our worst nightmares. Nothing can prepare a parent for seeing their child lying on the ground in excruciating pain, but we had to put our fears aside and be strong and the only way I could do that was to lean on my faith.

Even though I did pass out upon arriving at the hospital after they wheeled her in, she didn’t see me. A nurse caught me before I hit the ground. I gathered strength from my faith and just kept reciting the rosary over and over in my head.

My daughter was so brave and strong, and I am incredibly proud of her. I, on the other hand, was falling apart inside. My girl will be wheelchair-bound for a month or more. We are adjusting to a new normal, and I have no idea how we are going to logistically get through this time.

I do know that in our darkest hour we sense God the most; he is there for us giving us comfort, support and guidance. Already, he has placed family and friends in our path that have knowledge and resources to help us.

I feel the Holy Spirit working in our life. My nerves are starting to calm, and I know we will get through this one day at a time.