One Armed Bandit

Thursday afternoon I received a call from Sonja, our daycare provider, stating Asher wouldn't move his left arm. He had been crying since he woke from his nap, and when she tried to move his arm he would scream. Something had happened, but no one knew what. You can imagine all the thoughts running through my mind on my way to get him. My fear was that he had a brain tumor or heart problem or something crazy that would make him incapable of moving his arm. I know that sounds crazy and irrational, but when you aren't there to witness the problem, every scary thing a mother could imagine goes through your head. I called his doctor and luckily they were able to see him right away. They took a few x-rays and couldn't exactly tell if it was out of socket or not. Nothing was broken, there was no swelling of any kind, he just didn't want to move it. His arm was limp at his side, but he could still move his fingers; no neurological problems that the doctor could see. We were scheduled with the orthopedist this morning to make sure it wasn't out of socket and that nothing was broken. Asher seemed to adapt quite well to only having "one arm" and quickly learned how to get up on his feet. He played as if nothing was wrong, as long as his arm was immobile. So, we were given a sling and an ace bandage to keep it still and alleviate any pain he may have. Asher didn't skip a beat... he played all evening and only complained when I changed him into pajamas. It amazes me that he can be so happy and content even without the use of a limb. He is the coolest kid. I wish I could be that content and unaffected by what to me would be a traumatic experience. We have nicknamed our little trooper the "one armed bandit." I think that name will stick for a while. Oh, and by the way, he seems to be fine. As of earlier this evening he's been able to move his arm without complaint. Not sure what happened, maybe all the poking and prodding worked out the kinks. I'm just glad that it was nothing serious. We are so blessed.