People

I saw something amazing today. Something that really blew my mind. We took Derek to the local hospital for a lead test. It's required by his preschool, so we decided to take him early this morning with his dad, who was also having bloodwork done.

Some history: When Derek was younger, he had some allergy tests performed that involved a blood draw. It was miserable. He howled and screamed and writhed. They couldn't obtain a sample from him at that point, so we waited a few months and tried again at a different lab. They were able to obtain blood without any issue. Well, fast forward to now. We tried the hospital lab because we were assured that they were good with children, as they have a whole pediatric floor just above them.

The two phlebotomists were excellent. They talked to him throughout the whole procedure. I told him we would sing the ABC song together and by the time the song was over, they would be done. The two technicians joined in singing... and then there were more voices. The adults in the waiting area had joined in also as they watched, hands clasped under their chins. Many of them nodded and smiled in his direction, all their attention on my little boy.

The first arm yielded no blood, so they decided to try his other arm. This time he whimpered when they applied to tourniquet, but still didn't really fuss. When they put the needle in he cried and each time they remaneuvered it in his arm, he said "It hurts!" My heart was breaking for him as he tried to tough it out. I was so proud of him.

They gave up after a few minutes. I had asked them to just let it be if they weren't sure they could get it. They respected my request, let him down and showered him with stickers. A salty path of tears shone on his cheeks.

Now this is where it gets interesting... as we walked out of the lab, all the adults in the waiting area (at least ten, if not more) starting clapping for him. They all watched him, some offering "Good job, buddy!" or "Wow, you were so brave!." He looked around, a little dazed and scared, but I think their positive energy really kept him from totally losing it. It was truly amazing to watch their faces, as the whole group of them united in their respect and affection for my son. These were strangers. People whose names I will never know. But they truly made the experience a little better, and for that we will be forever grateful.