Treadmill

Last week Gavin was sick and home from school for several days.  By Friday my need to get stuff done was huge.  As Gavin laid beside me he asked about getting on the treadmill.  I told him there are 3 rules about the treadmill.  First, you always need to have a grown-up in the room.  Second you must wear lace-up tennis shoes.  Thirdly, you have to attach the safety strap, that shuts off the machine if you fall.  He agreed to the terms of our arrangement and spent about 10 minutes walking on the treadmill.

Monday, I was busy running around the house, cleaning and trying to get things done that had been delayed last week when I was horrified to hear Gavin screaming in a terrified/sobbing voice "Mommy help!" I rushed into the room to find his foot caught under the track of the treadmill.  Quickly a picture came into my mind.  First the red emergency stop cord.  Second my hands reversing the tread rotation.  Third, freeing his burned and bleeding foot.   As we headed for the Emergency Room at the hospital I recollected on the morning of order and the images that flooded my mind when I needed the clarity.  I was so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that granted me the gift of peace amiss the chaos of life.

Notice the "Safety Kid"shirt?

4 hours in the ER, and 5 stitches later we are home and G-dog is hobbling around the house.  Our Gavin safety counter "256 days since the last visit to a Doctor" has been reset, and again I am humbled by our ability to escape disaster again.  A big thanks to his Dad who dropped everything he was doing and rushed to his side.  To his sisters who couldn't sit by and do nothing, so went on a trip to get him ice cream to come home to and hugs of comfort and love.  And to Grandma & Granddad and Jocelyn who Skyped in and listened patiently as he shared his harrowing ordeal.  It is wonderful to have so many people who love you.