Julia Sims: Bless the broken bones

I can't tell you how many times after seeing Will's friends with broken arms and broken fingers, Mike and I have said, "Whew, we are so lucky!"

Well, with one blood curling banshee-like scream, Lady Luck exited our life in a hurry. Last Thursday night, Will tripped during a game of tag. His buddy also tripped and landed right on top of him. We knew instantly, from the terrified look in his eyes and the painful pitch of his voice, that this was no melodrama. A trip to urgent care confirmed it.

Will has a broken collarbone. There is no cool Wolfpack red cast for all his little friends to sign, just a pitiful sling that helps cradle his arm.

The little guy is crushed. He missed his team's first soccer game and likely the whole season. With spring in full force, there's nothing he wants more than to spend his free time shooting hoops, kicking balls and running with friends. The doctor said that won't happen for a few weeks.

The first two days were rough on all of us. (Who's kidding who? It was downright depressing sitting in a house all day watching never-ending cartoons.) Then, something wonderful happened.

First, the girl next door came over with a chocolate milkshake. Then, another popped by, as she told me in her six-year-old "grown-up" voice, "just to check on Will." Saturday night, a good friend and his mom showed up unexpectedly with a movie and Legos.

I thought I would cry. Their visit lifted Will's spirits and mine, as well. On Sunday, the blessings continued. A whole group of neighbors came over to just sit and watch TV with Will. Later, two girls brought him handmade get well cards. I think the joy of being around his friends finally gave him the energy to venture outside. He couldn't play tag, but he had fun sitting on the front steps watching and laughing with everyone.

From the physician's assistant at the urgent care to his friends who have rallied around him, I think Will has realized how very blessed he is, broken bone and all.