Tough Exterior
I would say that from the outside exterior, my son is definitely a man’s man, but I know on the inside, his heart is tender. He is the one I would want to have on my team for survival or competition. He can MacGyver just about anything if it doesn’t have to do with a computer or electronics. He has little use for those, but if he did, he’d figure it out. He’s a nature loving, risk taking, adventure seeking, hard working, young man that once was a mama’s boy, but has since turned into a self-made man.
As a woman, there are certain things I don’t feel like I need to or should know, and he is the one that would totally disagree. I don’t want to have to know how to change a tire, check tire pressure, or set a mouse trap to name a few, but my son wants me to know exactly how to handle matters, in case I am stranded or alone. It’s not that he won’t do things for me, and I know he is right, but I am slow to agree……and would rather he just do certain tasks.
However, if I need assistance, I can always depend on his help. He won’t sugar coat anything, but will be there to lend a helping hand. Recently, I learned I would need surgery, and asked if he would be my plus one at the hospital. Without question he said yes, even though he used up all his vacation days on the job. I told him I would have my parents pick me up the next day, but he insisted on taking both days off to be with me. That put my mind at ease for the upcoming hospital stay.
The day before surgery he made sure I had taken care of my pre-op instructions as we planned out our next day. Upon hospital arrival he took charge of making sure I got to the proper location…..not in a know it all, I’m in charge kinda way, rather……a need to know, exactly where to go, and what to do kinda way.
Once I was finally settled, they started my IV, took my vitals, administered medication, then we had about a sixty minute wait. I was very anxious since up until this year, never had surgery other than wisdom teeth extraction. He made small talk as we waited and waited. Ninety minutes came and went with no sign from the surgical team. We were informed several people would be stopping by, and at that point only one or two checked in. The more time that passed the more anxious I became. By now it was more than an hour past when the surgery should have started and buzzed the nurse. She informed us, the procedure ahead of mine took longer than expected, and it would probably be another ninety minutes or so.
As soon as the nurse left the room I felt tears sting my eyes, and tried to conceal them from my son. I couldn’t stop them from billowing, as they puddled and streaked my cheeks. In his tough-guy tone he said, “What are you doing? You know, getting more upset is just going to make matters worse.” He was right and I told him I was just frustrated about the long delay, as his tone softened and he said, “I know.” Strangely enough, those few words made me settle down and focus on staying calm.
The surgery ended up starting four hours later than the scheduled appointment, which didn’t include the time we were due to arrive. When I woke from surgery and turned my head, there he was, my son Andrew, waiting for me to return safe and sound. He had been waiting with, and for me about twelve hours that day. Even though he would have most people believe he’s a man’s man, with a tough exterior…..I know his tender heart.
xoxox…..Sheryl