The Snow Day Drop

Many of you already know about this because I announced it on Facebook the day it happened (and thank God I did because so much support came to us that way and helped me through the day.) I don't even really want to write about it but I decided I would because maybe it will be helpful to someone (like the stories shared on Facebook were helpful to me.)

So last Tuesday it snowed in Austin, which is not something that happens all that often. I was excited and was snapping pictures, as I do when something excites me. I decided to take the baby outside in her bouncy chair and get some pictures of her with the rare Austin snow. It was a simple plan that turned BAD when as I went through the doorway,the chair caught on the door, tipped out of my hands and I dropped my baby hard on the rock patio - face/head first. Oh God, it was a terrible, terrible sight.

She screamed. I screamed. I scooped up my screaming baby and saw her injured head. I thought I'd broken my baby. I ran up the stairs and yelled for Mangala Sadhu Sangeet. He held her while I called 911. I told them what happened and asked if I should take her to the hospital. I really had no idea what kind of injury we might be dealing with - all I knew was that it looked like a big fall for such a tiny baby. They sent EMS - two fabulous men, fathers themselves, who were so kind and gentle with her (and me.) I stood there wringing my hands and praying and giving her Reiki as they checked her out and talked with us. She was ok. She eventually calmed down and fell asleep in the EMS guy's arms.

I think babies must have magical healing powers because she healed so much faster than I expected. Even by the end of the day, it had healed a lot and now, a week later, there is hardly a mark to be seen. That is incredible, considering how bad it looked as her helpless, tiny body hit the ground that day. She was so strong and forgiving - far more forgiving than I was with myself.

Even after I knew she was ok, I still felt so terrible. It was quite depressing. And I'm still trying to get that falling image out of my head. Just thinking of how that must have felt to her makes me want to throw up. Yet, I know that we can't control - life happens. I just thank God she came through it ok.

When I mentioned this on Facebook, I received numerous stories from other parents who had experienced drops or falls with their children. It happens more often than I realized! Even when you try really hard to be a conscious, protective parent...things still happen. I guess it is a reminder to hug them that much tighter and be grateful for the blessings.
Satvinder and a tiny snowman on the snow day
This is Sukhjot later that day - the magical, healing baby