...the following conversation was shared between my son and I from the Cleveland Clinic recovery room, shortly after awakening from successful knee surgery. (Keep in mind, the young man was still climbing out of a sedative buzz ;)
"Hi Boo, how ya feeling?"
"Hi Dad. Your face is blurry."
"Do you want to go back to sleep for a few minutes?"
"Why? Is it bedtime?"
"No. But if you need to close your eyes to keep the room from spinning, you can."
"Is my knee fixed now?"
I smiled. "The doc says you'll make a full recovery."
"So I can still make it to the NBA? Maybe play ball with Kyrie Irving?"
"Well Boo, going pro takes a ton of effort and a whole lotta talent, but who knows?"
The twelve year old closed his eyes a moment, considering his future, releasing a breath. Then, "I was pretty nervous before surgery."
"I know. That's okay."
"Thought I was going to puke."
"Well, you didn't, so that's..."
"Hey Dad."
I giggled, the boy's thoughts now gaining speed. "Yeah?"
"Did I remember to say thank you to the doctor?"
"For what?"
"For fixing my knee."
"Well, I don't know. But you'll have a chance later."
"Okay. Hey Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"How long will I be on crutches?"
"At least a month, maybe more. It depends on..."
"Oh yeah, I forgot. But what do I do when I have to take a poop?"
"We'll figure that out. It'll be interesting."
"Maybe I'll just hold it."
"For a month?"
He shook his head. "Yeah, that would be tough. Hey Dad?"
"Yeah Boo?"
"I can't wait to play ball again."
"Me too."
"I think I'm going to close my eyes for a couple of minutes. Is that okay?"
"That's fine. I'll be here when you wake up."
"Don't let me forget to thank the doctor."
"Okay, son."
"He Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"Can we get ice cream later?"
"Absolutely. Maybe even some for the doctor."
"Okay. I'll ask him what flavor he wants when I thank him for fixing my knee."
"Sounds good."
"Don't let me forget to thank him, okay Dad?"
"I wouldn't dare forget..."
...happy to report that he's doing quite well. And yes, he thanked the doc for fixing his knee ;)
El
