Trauma

Yesterday was a day of trauma for my sweet, young son. After completing the writing test with a prompt he felt pretty good about -- he and two of his buds were taking the trash out for their teacher. The two buds started horseplaying and one thing led to another and ended with one of them getting their finger severed. How my child was not involved in the actual accident is just one of life's little miracles. Normally, he would be in the thick of it, but this time he said he just fell back and started walking back to the school building. Some might say a stroke of luck, but I say the Holy Spririt held him back. By the time he got to the door everything was covered in blood. He had the presence of mind to keep the blood off of him, but to also get the boy to stop moving and his hand on the pressure point to slow the flow of blood and started screaming for help. (Apparently Jacob is paying attention in science class!) The paramedics were there quite quickly and rushed his friend to the hospital. I talked with the father this morning and they were able to reattach his finger. There is still the possibility he could loose it, but right now everything looks good. Unfortunately his other friend was suspended pending a full investigation. How sad for all involved that simple child's play ended so tragically. Of course, it presents opportunities for all to learn lessons and for parents to talk with their children about wise choices.

It feels like my little baby has had a rough go of it lately. It reminds me as a parent that you can't protect them all the time. You can't put bubbles around them. You have to entrust them to God. After all they are only on loan to us.

Lord Jesus, help me to be a good parent. Help me to guide Jacob in your promises. Give me the right words to encourage him and to comfort him. Lord, I pray your presence over his two friends and their families. I pray for your comfort and healing both physically and emotionally for all.