Two victorious boys

Boy # 1: Alex. When Alex was about 7 years old we had to take him to a doctor for some reason I don't even remember anymore, and the doctor ordered some blood work done. We took Alex to the lab that was in the doctor's office, but when Alex saw the needle, he started screaming bloody murder. He wouldn't have anything to do with the needles or blood. The nurses in the lab suggested that we should take him to the hospital that was next door to the doctor's office. They said that there is more personnel and they are more equipped to handle little screaming boys. Off we went, and by this time, Alex was totally worked up by the sight of the needles. Talking didn't help, reasoning didn't help...nothing. We arrived in the hospital and went to the lab. We told the nurses the story and they called for back-up. Finally we watched when 3 people were holding Alex down and trying to keep him still, while one of the nurses took his blood. And this whole time Alex was crying like somebody was trying to remove his limb without anesthesia.

6 years forward. We went to see the same family doctor as 6 years ago this Tuesday. When we were sitting in the waiting room, forgetting momentarily the previous trauma, I mentioned to Alex that they might want to do some bloodwork on him. Alex was reading the Sports Illustrated and he snapped his head towards me, with horror on his face and said:"You had to tell me that before we even see the doctor." It was downhill from there.

At the doctor's office, the kind doctor suggested that we do some bloodwork on Alex. Alex had the "film" of previous bloodwork experience rolling in his head and he said that he doesn't want to get it done. I said to the doctor, ok, I need to get my thyroid tested anyway, so how about Alex will watch it being done on me first and then he can decide if he wants it done as well.

And so it was. I was sitting in the lab, pumping my fist so my already bulging vein in my arm was blue and plump to draw some blood on (if you haven't seen my veiny arms or hands, pay attention to them next time...ugly but good for blood-letting!) I was ready and Alex was watching next to me when the blood was flowing into the vial. After I was done, I asked Alex if he was ready. He looked at me with doubt in his eyes but said that he would do it too.

There was the nicest nurse who said that she would even use a smaller and thinner needle on Alex so it wouldn't "pinch" as much. Alex did great, and is no longer afraid of needles. Victory!

Boy # 2: Jorge Luis. Jorge had another tennis tournament on Tuesday night at the Ivory Ridge Tennis Club in Lehi. He played against # 3 player in the state in his age group. Jorge beat the guy in two sets, 6-3, 7-5. Victory!

Next match is on Friday. In the mean time, Jorge has back pain, and is nursing his back with ice and stretching and with encouraging words from his mom and dad.

While Jorge was playing...


Alex and Carsen were watching the game very comfortably on the benches.


Alex taking a picture of himself.

And then one with both of them in it.