A Bubble Breach

First off, let me just say that everyone is fine. But, still, I never imagined I'd be walking into the hospital emergency clinic, the new one down the road; not when my children were here for a visit. After the building was completed last year I thought to myself, "How nice, a new hospital emergency clinic so close to home. I hope I never have to go there."

Mistake number one, eyes on children, at all times, like a hawk. I don't even know how Milo climbed underneath the kitchen stool. I was standing right in front of it, cradling his baby brother in my arms, when suddenly there was a clang and Milo and stool were down.

Daughter came running the second she heard Milo's cry. She was remarkably calm, even when she saw Milo's bloody nose. Holding him tight we cleaned his face and put ice on his nose, until the bleeding stopped. "There's an emergency clinic down the street," I said. "I think we should go."

While Daughter and Milo were in the exam room, I pushed sleeping Leo in his stroller, round and round the waiting room. I wondered how I allowed this on my watch. I've prided myself on the impenetrable bubble I've deluded myself into thinking will keep my grandchildren from harm. Finally, hearing familiar voices I looked into the hallway and there was Daughter and Milo. A big smile spread over Milo's face as he yelled, "Gaga, come!" waving his little hand at me.

Milo was given a clean bill of health. He showed me his new bear and hospital bracelet with his name on it. He will most likely forget his bloody nose and our worried faces pressed against his. That is the beauty of the very young. I will never forget taking my eyes off of him, but thankful for the clinic so close to home.