Do Over's

Do you ever hear when a child makes a mistake or gets beat at something they will ask for “do-overs”? Well this was one of those weeks I would like a do-over. It was one of those weeks that brings out that Parental protective instinct to the surface.

The week started out with Fantu having a bit of trouble at cheerleading. There was one particular girl that kept trying to boss several of the girls around. When it was Fantu's time to start a cheer this girl kept getting on to her that she was doing the wrong cheer, it wasn't right, wasn't her turn... well you get idea. She had also been doing this to a few of the other girls during the game. Fantu is not one for having a peer try to dominate her. She blew up in a fiery anger, she had to be held off beating the crap out of this girl. Luckily it didn't come to blows but it definitely got the attention of the cheer coaches.
When I picked Fantu up she was honest with me about losing her temper and wanting to beat this girl up, well in fact she was still wanting to. She was even angrier because this girl along with her Mother claimed total innocence in the whole matter, they even said Fantu cussed her out, something Fantu denied (and Fantu cannot tell a lie). I of course got a call a short time later from the coach. We talked about what had happened. I also filled her in that Fantu has had some trouble from one or two of the other girls prior to this. The coach was also not aware of Fantu's background and her history. Something I have now shared with her so that she will have a bit of understanding as to why Fantu can put up a defense so quickly.
I am really trying to teach Fantu better coping skills with her anger. I constantly worry that I will be getting a call from the school. Fantu usually has to be pushed emotionally before snapping - but these kids are pushing her so frequently it seems. If it should come to blows it won't be a pretty outcome for either. Fantu will literally beat the crap out of them, she's quite the little brawler. Fantu will of course be kicked out of Cheerleading and probably get suspended from school. I think I smoothed things over with the coach, and talking to Fantu about her temper I am hopeful that all will be okay for now.

On Wednesday Fantu had a XC meet. It was a very hot day so they postponed the races for a bit hoping that the temperatures would cool down. The only problem with this is the kids didn't get enough to drink while waiting. Fantu collapsed during the race and one of her teammates helped her up to finish the race. She was unresponsive by the time she finished. Luckily we had friends at the race that stepped in and helped out. On Thursday she was still feeling sick and by lunchtime a bit dizzy, so I dashed home and took her to the Doctor. She was dehydrated and slightly anemic. I took her home, made sure she had plenty of liquids and she soon felt better.

Saturday was Abate's XC meet. It was a big one, they would be running on the same course that the State meet will be held on in November. There were nearly 400 runners in his race. It really is way too many in one race on this course. He passed us at several points during the race and he was doing well. A bit off the leaders but still towards the front. At about the 2 ½ mile mark he stepped into a hole ( they are bad everywhere due to the extensive drought conditions we are having) as he was pulling his foot free another racer pushed him. He felt a pop in his leg and a pain, he continued to run. His pace slowed but he kept on going. He finished the 3 mile course in 18.01 well off his best of 17.10. As he slowed his pace to a walk after crossing the finish line the pain kicked in and he had to be helped to the medical tent. I nearly beat him there. They iced it, then put a splint on it and said I'd need to take him for x-rays. We were planning on leaving the race right away to go to Caleb's birthday party and then dinner at a new Ethiopian restaurant. Abate insisted we go on ahead and do these things then go to the emergency room once returned to Gatesville. So that's what we did.

Caleb's party was fun. I will write more about it later in the week. The dinner was so very good. Abate and Fantu were in heaven... okay I think I was too. It was that good. We then headed home. After a stop by the house to freshen up and change we headed up to the hospital emergency room. X rays were inconclusive. No apparent fracture, but there was a suspicious spot on the film at just the point where the pain originates. Femur fractures often don't show up immediately, sometimes it takes 7-10 days. He was ordered to stay off it for the next week. He was given a pair of crutches and has to see our physician in a week. If the pain is gone by then, well thats good! If not then more x-rays to see if a fracture shows up yet. So now we wait for a quick recovery and hope the pain heals in a week. If it is a break then that's the end of his XC and Football seasons this year. His XC coach will be in tears if that happens. He has a team that he thinks will qualify for the State meet this year. But he has to have Abate as his number 2 to do it. I would love to see that happen. It would be an amazing achievement for a freshman to run in the State XC meet. Abate will get his Letter Jacket his Freshman year ( possibly in several sports)I would love to see that State XC patch on it!. It is going to be a long week waiting and watching.
I sure don't want to repeat this past week – but I'm sure the kids would like a do-over.