So when Garrett came inside on Saturday afternoon crying, I immediately went to the old standby: "Crying doesn't make you better. Stop crying kid."
He calmed a bit after a while of me waiting on him, and then explained that he had fallen from his scooter. Seems like some portion of his arm hurt, although we couldn't clarify the exact state of the injury.
"You're OK. Don't worry about it," words of calm wisdom from his father, "run it off."
He stayed inside the remainder of the day, holding his arm limp. "Probably just bruised it."
Sunday morning G-man wasn't able to straighten the arm. Daddy was, "See Garrett, you just have to pull it straight." He winced a bit, but didn't cry. At least he is learning. We'll just wrap it in an ACE bandage.
Monday morning it might seem a bit worse, but really, we shouldn't worry about it. He's a strong kid, and hasn't complained out loud. Seems like Mom had different ideas, and after a quick trip to Urgent Care, found that Garrett had a "FAT PACK" on his elbow, which apparently indicates a stress fracture. Three weeks in a cast. Maggie should have asked the doctors what the fat packs on G's eyelids, palms and feet indicate.
I've had 26 total years of parenting over four kids, and every time prior to now the "get over it, stop crying" routine has worked effectively. Maybe this experience will result in a kinder, gentler dad. Maybe not.