Kryptonite

This morning, when he came to my room to wake me for breakfast, Brendon crawled under the covers with me and told me he was shaking because he was so nervous about the surgery he's having on Monday (he's getting his tonsils and adenoids taken out).

Nothing typically phases this kid. But the surgery does.

I usually find comfort in him because he's so sure of everything, and confident, and lets things roll off his back. Nothing gets him down. He's my little Superman. (who's the parent and who's the child, here).

But when he told me he was nervous, my heart just completely melted. I'm not used to him being nervous about anything.

After breakfast, he told me his stomach hurt. "Maybe it's just that I'm nervous about my operation."

I hugged him and sat him on my lap and used a bit of humor to diffuse his apprehension. Afterall, laughter is the best medicine, right?

"OK, here's what's going to happen: You're going to wear a hospital gown with your butt sticking out the back (that one gets a giggle). Then you'll lay down on a bed with wheels on it. The nurses, and daddy, and I will walk with you to the operating room. Daddy will go in with you until you fall asleep.

You'll be sleeping while they're operating and you won't feel a thing. Then you'll wake up after they're done, and you'll look around saying 'Huh? where am I? wha' happened?' (that gets another giggle).

Then daddy and I will stay with you all day long, and daddy will sleep with you. Mommy will come the next day and drive you and daddy home. And that's it!"

I could immediately feel the tension melt away...he had a smile on his face...and the Kryptonite dissolved away. For now.

UPDATE: The poor guy is so wracked with nervousness. He keeps asking me for 1 minute hugs...he's complaining of headaches (his numbers are excellent though)...he's been hiding under the covers on the couch...he even tried bowing out of school, but I told him being busy will help keep his mind off the surgery. I hope he makes it through the weekend without having a nervous breakdown. I think I'll have to plan something special for him to keep his mind off of things.