I was at work about a week before Thanksgiving, when I got a call from Tiana (12). I had just clocked out for lunch. She sounded a bit unsettled as she told me Malik was bleeding all over the place. I was calm because Malik is all boy. This would not be the last time Malik was bleeding or hurting. Out of all of my children, Malik (4) is one who will push the limits and test his boundaries often. ;)
Tiana continued to tell me he was bleeding all over the bathroom. He had a bloody nose from accidently head butting his two-year-old brother.
I tried to comfort her and have do some deep breathing. I advised her I would find someone to come check on them. I found a friend that was willing to take my car and go check on the kids. My home is about 25 minutes from my work.
I clocked back in from lunch and called Tiana to let her know I had found someone to come check on them. She said not to worry because she went upstairs to get the neighbors (which I had advised them to do in an emergency) and they came down and decided to call the paramedics.
Paramedics! Now, I was the one doing the deep breathing. I called my friend to bring my car back so I could go to my apartment to meet the paramedics and check on the kiddos.
Tiana had told me on my ride out that Malik was fine, it was just a bloody nose and they got it to stop.
My friend drove as I sat in the passenger seat going over different scenarios. What could I do? My apartment had no furniture, we were sleeping on the floor. We had clothes around the perimeters of the bedrooms because we had no dressers or hangers. I did have food in the fridge and pantry and the kids were warm and clothed. I was at work, while my five were home alone. I wondered what type of trouble I would be in?
As I sit in my car, heading to my apartment, I finally just gave it up to the Universe and higher powers. I have been doing all I can do. Everything has been a process and continues to be. The daycare situation was my next focus. I just haven't completed that process.... I am in the middle of it.
So, whatever was going to happen, I surrendered. I can handle whatever is next.
I got to the apartment and ran up to have four firemen and one police officer greet me at the top of my stairs. They were very kind and told me Malik was fine, there was no need to run. I knew that but needed to touch base with my crew. I politely asked if I could run into the apartment and check on my kiddos. They allowed me to do that.
I went inside to touch base with each of them... hugs, smiles, love, sweetness and I felt a sense of calm in the aparment. Not sure if being together caused that feeling or if it was present between my kiddos before I showed up. Either way, it felt really good to be together.
The firemen and police officer followed me into the apartment and requested that I step outside with them for a minute.
Uh-oh... deep breath. Okay, I am ready...
I went out front and the firemen went on about how amazing my kiddos were. They were very impressed by their actions and how calm they were. They went on to say they noticed we didn't have any furniture in the apartment. I nodded. I just haven't been able to get any furniture, don't have a truck to move it, nor would I have the man power to bring it up to my apartment. I didn't tell them that, that is what I was thinking. They said that one of the firemen had an extra queen bed, another had a dresser, another had a twin bed, and on and on. They asked if I would allow them to bring furniture to my apartment. !!??
What? You want to furnish my apartment? Wow! It took me a minute, but I gratefully accepted and teared up. I couldn't believe it... these sweet people were going to bring us beds! They were supporting me and helping the family.
The police officer was next and agreed that the children were just incredible. He said it must be hard being a single mom of five. He gave me some resources and said his department was right around the corner if we needed anything.
After our run in with the Sheriff's office in Fairplay, this was SO incredible! The kiddos now have a different perspective on law enforcement. What a beautiful thing.
The Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, eight firemen came to the apartment and loaded it with furniture... beds, recliners, an entertainment center, etc. The next day, Mike, the fireman that started this came by with his wife. They brought new dish towels, new washclothes, a new, beautiful vacuum, brand new bedding and pillows for each bed, $100 in cash and $100 in a King Soopers gift card.
We are blessed. I am so grateful. I'm not sure "grateful" even begins to describe the appreciation I'm feeling. Just having beds, towels, a vacuum, etc. helps our day-to-day family life. Somehow life is easier. It helps me be a better mom and helps the kids get through their days and nights. We are all sleeping better in beds, enjoying the recliners, loving the kitchen towels and cleaning supplies. The apartment just feels homey.
I have been praying for some type of help. Just needed that boost... who knew it would come in this package. The bloody nose that brought assistance... ;)
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