26 Miles

Splinters and Grandmother’s

// June 2nd, 2008 // Life

My Grandmother is known for her ESP, and she came through again tonight. Joe tried to show me his “bobo” when he got home on his foot but I was focused too much on my post-commute opiate (Dr. Pepper, on the rocks) to truly understand. Later, while playing on the floor with him, Sunshine noticed something on his foot. Investigation determined it was a righteous splinter, … or a blot clot, … or a small worm of some kind boring it’s way into his foot. Either way it was coming out, lest it get infected.

Despite his sister’s exquisite singing and reading of books, nothing could assuage the boy’s fear of the nasty medical implements. After 15 minutes of ear-splitting screams that most of the neighbors likely heard and must have tickled the sensors of the local authorities of children’s welfare (“NOOOOO!!! NO MORE POKEY!!!! NO MORE POKEY!!!!”) the phone rings and it’s my grandmother, right on time.

Sunshine explained the dilemma. Two instructions followed: soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then use tweezers to gently stroke the splinter out. 15 minutes later and only slightly more screaming and holding down of our #2 child and the splinter was liberated. Much chocolate milk and consolation ensued, as well as a cold-shoulder for Dad for holding him down. But all is well and we have only some very timely grandmotherly wisdom to thank for it (I thought you were supposed to make all your mistakes with the 1st child?).

I’m off to my alternate sleeping arrangement for the evening while both kids enjoy a sleepover with Mom (aka “the good parent”). Can’t fit us all comfortably into one big bed anymore.