Thanks for all your well wishes. It means so much to know that I have so many great blogging friends. It really has been a stressful couple of days but I'm sure things will eventually start to get easier. Many of you have inquired about the nature of the accident, I've decided to just post it here. If for no other reason then to just get it off my chest, I'm feeling very guilty over the entire thing and I probably just need to let it go.
Maya, the 90 lb. dog was leashed to the front door with a long lead. We had been going in and out and she has been known to run across the street to see the neighbor's dog so rather then take a chance of her getting hit, we just secured her to the house. The dog and Makenna were both in the house, I told Makenna to open the front door to go outside. I knew the dog would probably run out but didn't think much of it since I knew she was secured to the door. It didn't dawn on me that Makenna would get in front of the leash or be in the way. She opened the door, the dog bolted - all 90 lbs of her - the leash came from behind Makenna and caught her in the back of the legs - she is 35 lbs - she flew into the air into a horizontal position, the dog got to the end of the lead and the door slammed shut onto Makenna's head and neck. The door handle slammed into her shoulder and broker her collarbone clean through, in my opinion it probably saved her life. Her neck would have snapped if it had taken the full blow. It was the worst thing that I have ever seen in my life, I was 2 feet away and just couldn't get there in time. It happened in slow motion yet so fast all at once.
We spent a good part of yesterday with the orthopedic surgeon who specializes in children. "Impressive break" is what he called it, he had never seen anything like that before, a break like hers, a person who does this for a living said that. The bone is normally so pliable that it bends, he can't imagine the force that it took to make it break the way and in the location that it did. On the plus side, no need for surgery, since they cannot cast that part of the arm, it should set fine on it's own.
I made her a sling last night to replace the ugly hospital one - I thought maybe some froggies would brighten her day. It was the least I could do. We had big plans in the next couple weeks that are not going to work out. I was supposed to be flying to NC tomorrow to see my girlfriend and have a couple days of much needed alone time. In 2 weeks we had made reservations to stay at a giant indoor waterpark in Washington State. Her school recital is this coming Monday. Plans change, I'm just thankful she will be ok.
I'm so sorry that all of you went through that experience; especially Makenna. Unfortunately, these freak things happen, and we, as mothers, live with it for the rest of our lives. We pray that it doesn't affect them in the future, and that they don't hold it against us in some way, and that others close to us don't hold these profound, but know this, these things happen. I learned that when my son got his first concussion; when he split his eye on the edge of a rocking chair, when he split his forehead on the same damn rocking chair which I didn't remove from his room. I still feel all the guilt. But the most important thing is that the child is okay. And she will heal. Hopefully, she will heal much sooner rather than later.
Posted by: Rosa | May 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Oh, poor Makenna! And poor Mom! I can't imagine how scary that must have been for both of you. Thank heavens she is ok (or will be).
Big hugs to ALL of you!
Posted by: trillian42 | May 27, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Poor both of you! Hugs to you both, and hoping Makenna feels better soon
Posted by: Kate | May 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM
So sorry you had to go through that. It's not fun - we had a broken arm here last summer, and I know how lousy you feel when it's your kid. On the plus side, they do heal quickly, and I hope both of you feel better soon. :)
Posted by: Terby | May 27, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Oh wow! That is terrifying just to read about! I'm so glad that things weren't worse. I hope she heals quickly and big hugs to both of you.
Posted by: Becca | May 27, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Oh my GOODNESS! Poor sweet girl, I can't imagine how scary that must have been for both of you! Thank God she's okay and it wasn't worse, but I'm so sorry she was hurt. I'd love to send her a little get-well something!
Posted by: alyson | May 27, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Poor baby!!! Sending big hugs to both of you. Get well soon Makenna!
Posted by: Trish | May 27, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Heather, you're a very good mother. Stuff happens...I have firsthand experience of a horrible small child accident myself. He lived through it, grew up strong, and doesn't blame me in the least. :-)
Please know that we're sending well wishes to Makenna for quick healing and to you, to be able to set the whole thing into the past and let go of any guilt. You're a good mommy.
~Hugs~
Posted by: Susie | May 27, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Poor Makenna, but poor Mama too because I'm sure it was just awful to see. I'm glad she's OK. Accidents do happen. The froggie sling is just adorable.
Posted by: mitchypoo | May 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I know of where you guys were headed. Poor baby! Amazing how just a bit in one direction could have much different results. I hope you and Makenna are feeling better, hopefully that pretty new sling is cheering you guys up <3
Posted by: Jeanie | May 28, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Oh Heather I'm so sorry! What a scary thing to witness, and too feel so helpless. I am so glad mckenna is going to be okay.
Posted by: catherine | May 29, 2008 at 03:50 PM
You all are still in my thoughts and prayers. *big hug* I love the sling! You are so creative! :)
Posted by: Ruinwen | May 30, 2008 at 07:20 AM
That must have been a heart wrenching thing to witness! I am glad she is okay though and you are such a sweet mom to make her such a great sling!
Posted by: Macoco | June 01, 2008 at 04:16 AM
Oh my goodness, how horrible for you both. What an accident - they do happen, it can be hard to not feel guilty! Good thoughts going out to you both.
Posted by: the Lady | June 03, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Oh my! I'm so sorry for you both. And very glad to know it's not worse.
As you know, and everyone has said, it was a pure and simple accident. As a veteran of the Children's ER for two similar incidents (no dog involved, but freaky falls that ended badly) I feel for you. Moments like those are some of the hardest of motherhood. Try to reschedule that trip as soon as reasonable for some R&R.
Love the sling!
Posted by: Nancy | June 04, 2008 at 04:57 PM