That's My Boy

Samuel Jackson Clark a.k.a Sambo and Lunchbox is an amazing kid. We have really had our thoughts and energy all spent on him this past week. Last Tuesday night he was horribly stricken with stomach pains...so bad that he didn't fall asleep until 6:20 the next morning. Of course, as things go, Dad was out of town so Mom spent a long sleepless night trying to comfort and calm him. If Dad hadn't been gone we would have gone to the hospital in the middle of the night. We called Dr. Grandpa at 3:00 am and between the 2 of us, decided it probably wasn't his appendix. I had my appendix taken out 8 years ago so I remember that agony. I was worried because I have never seen him so miserable or so sad.
I took him to the Dr. the next day. Everything seemed to check-out fine until they did some lab tests and found blood in his urine. This was an odd finding because the 2 symptoms aren't really related. I barely managed to get him through that day/night. His "stabbing" stomach pains came in waves and he would sleep between attacks. Just cry and sleep for 2 days. But no fever, no constipation, no vomiting. Also, I've never known him not to have an appetite - he didn't want to eat or drink ANYTHING. Dad came home and gave him a blessing and he soon fell asleep for awhile.
OnThursday I took him to the hospital for a CT scan and another urine test. He was so brave, even when they started his IV. Will came with us and he thought the whole thing was the coolest. He was even a little jealous that Sam got to pee in a cup! We waited 2.5 hours for the results in the radiology waiting room. I realize now that I was over-reacting but as a mother I couldn't help but think the worst about what the Dr. was going to tell me. A tumor, or some rare disorder. For a moment I was sick with worry for my little Sam.
I sighed with relief when the results came back normal. They could not find the reason behind his abdominal pain (which had decreased by this time) or bloody urine (which came back positive again). Their best guess was possibly kidney stones. Ouch! I have had those 3 times in my life and I can personally guarantee that it is the worst pain ever!
Who knows what he had but thank goodness he is better now! I knew he was back when he woke-up Saturday and asked for pancakes, eggs, bacon, and cereal for breakfast!

ANYWAY, over the past 3 months he has really grown up. A couple of cool things he has done in the last few months are:

1. Rode his bike to school (this is a 3.4 mile descent that drops over 1500 ft! He rode with mom by his side). He had so much fun that he wanted to do it again the next day!
2. He has amazing coordination. For no reason at all he will do a back handspring or round off back handspring at anytime and anywhere. The other day he did 5 back handsprings in a row. Then out of nowhere he is doing perfect dives into the pool, self-taught. Also, pulled a 360 on the kneeboard his first try.

3. He tries so hard to be a good boy. He is the best big brother and very responsible when it comes to his brother and baby sister. He may be athletic but more important is his personality. He still is the "sensitive bully" in that he is sweet and sensitive but also strong and aggressive. When he gets in trouble, he cries but not because of the punishment, but because he disapointed us, especially when it's his dad. He has high ambitions for himself and does not give up until he achieves them. He really is a sweetheart.

I am so proud of his willingness to try new things. He definitely isn't afraid of failure. It seems whenever he gets the idea to do a new trick or stunt, his body just instinctively figures out what his brain wants him to do. Sambo keep up the good work! We love you.