Thursday, August 13, 2015

Falling behind, a very scary story, and much to be thankful for................................



Once again I find myself behind in the world of blogging and life in general.  Lots of things taking up the space in my brain, and the time in my day.  I am not even done with my work week like I usually am, having to work tomorrow to make up for an unexpected day off on Monday isn't helping.


My boys are all home at the same time.  Mr.21 arrived for a week on Tuesday afternoon after a day delay due to poor weather in Ohio.  I was so, so glad to see him, especially after I found out what happened to him in the wee hours of Sunday morning.  He had been to a wedding with his girlfriend and her family and they all went out to celebrate at a bar very close to their hotel in Columbus, Ohio after all the wedding festivities.  My son was walking to the hotel alone from the bar and got, "Jumped" by three men who beat up his face, kicked him in the ribs and hit him several more times in the face before leaving.  His girlfriends sister, who was also walking home, found him half sitting up on the side of the street and brought him the remaining 100 yards back to the hotel.  He is fine, he was very shaken up, but he is fine.  His beautiful face is bruised, especially around his eyes, his ribs are too, but he is up, walking, breathing and alive, and now he is home where I can fuss over him a bit.  In true Mom style I got mad at him Sunday after he told me what happened, he was walking home alone and I thought he knew better, but I hear the hotel was very close to where they all were as a group.  I was so scared when he told me my reaction was not the best, and it wasn't a whole lot better later in the day when I talked to him again all I could do was cry, my baby had been treated so badly for no reason at all.  Nothing happens good to a person walking alone a night.  This is his town, where he goes to school and has been living for the past three years, so I think he felt very safe.  And I guess this is a type of sport for some deranged people, they gang up on someone, beat them up for fun and leave them there, taking nothing, not a wallet or even a phone.  I think the world we live in is pretty sick, but there are also bright spots, and I have to remember that.  I also have to remember he is fine and will recover very nicely, he looks better already, and I am so, so, so thankful he wasn't hurt worse.  He isn't dead, in a coma, or now a quadriplegic, he has his memory, he did not have a bad concussion, although I bet he had a mild one.  He didn't break his ribs or puncture a lung, he can eat, talk, and walk.  I am thankful that it wasn't much, much worse.  I am thankful he is here.


I have been worried, I have been very busy with work and I have been fussing over him a bit since he has been home.  I have had a bad headache for days, I am sure it has to do with what happened, even though I was not there, the stress of him being hurt and not being able to see him right away took a bit of a toll on me.

Thank you so much for all of your comments recently.  I am so far behind in replying, I am usually much, much better at it than I have been the past two weeks.  I have decided I am wiping my email clean and I am going to start from fresh, I hope you don't mind.  Thank you for all your kind comments about Little Buddy and of course my birthday boy Max, you are all so special to me.

Have a good weekend and hug your people, things can happen so fast to change your world.  And things can also happen to remind you to be grateful and thankful, and I am.

65 comments:

20 North Ora said...

Oh Meredith - how scary! I am so glad he wasn't hurt worse than he was. That is a terrible situation. I don't blame you, I would be a basket case also.

Hopefully, things will calm down and your headache will subside. The Mother in us never leaves, does it?

Praying for you and your son.

Judy

Elizabeth said...

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your son but so very thankful that he is alright. Yes, it is a scary world that we live in but as you said there are still a lot of good things as well!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, Meredith! I'm so sorry that happened and glad to hear Mr. 21 is on the mend.

Seriously, I don't know what is going on with this world and people that just have no value of human life. We have had several shootings around the UCF campus lately. Scary stuff.

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm so sorry to hear what happened to your son. That is a very scary story. Something similar happened to a relative of mine when I was a kid, and it was a terrible time for everyone involved. I hope your son is feeling better soon. Take care.

ellen said...

This is just terrible and I can totally understand all of your feelings. It is such a messed up world, and, yes, it is important to keep in mind the goodness that is still here..........but so darned hard at times. My heart goes out to you and to him and to your whole family.
May there be peace and comfort for you all.
With love, E.

andamento said...

That's terrible, I'm glad he's OK.

Christina said...

How awful Meredith. No wonder you are shaken. I do hope Mr 21 recovers well. So traumatic. I am glad his physical injuries are not very serious. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he also recovers well mentally, I imagine an assault like that affects a young confident man badly. Thinking of you both. Cxx

Clare said...

Thats so terrible hope he's fully recovered soon.
Clare xx

Betsy said...

Oh dear Meredith, I'm so sorry this happened to your boy. Would you believe the same thing happened last week to my nephew in Omaha, NE.? They took nothing of his either but broke his nose and he has a very messed up face and two broken ribs. His glasses were smashed beyond repair. It happened in the daylight and NO ONE stopped to help him or call the police! What in the world is wrong with people? It's getting to the point of being afraid to go anywhere anymore. Please know I'll be in prayer for you and your son.
Blessings,
Betsy

Home Meadows said...

How awful! There has been a lot of turmoil in Ohio lately, especially in Cincinnati. I hope he was able to file a police report. I'm glad he wasn't hurt more seriously. I hope you are feeling better soon and that your son's bruises (physically and emotionally) will heal quickly as well. Heather

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Meredith, I am so sorry this happened. It is so scary out there for all of us. Just so happy he wasn't hurt worse then he was and he is safe now. Random violence is really a very scary thing. You take care of yourself, I know how we Mom's are! Big hugs!
Linda

Judy S. said...

That really is a scary story, Mere. So glad your son will be OK and hope he heals quickly in every way. It's impossible to understand how anyone could do that to another human! Hugs to you both.

Regena Fickes said...

So thankful he is ok. Evil walks on the face of the earth, seeing who it can devour. Prayigf for all your family.

kristieinbc said...

What an awful thing to happen. So senseless. I'm glad your son is okay physically, and I hope it doesn't leave him with emotional damage. I'm also glad he is at home where you can take care of him, both for his sake and for yours. This mom job is a tough one.

Susanne Tyree said...

I am sending you an email. Please read it before you delete it. This thing happening to your son was terrible and thank God he wasn't hurt so badly that the damage was permanent. Thank God he wasn't killed and left for dead.
(((HUGS))) Susanne

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Oh so thankful your son is ok. As a mother no matter the age of our older kids, we get scared when life goes wrong and they are hurt. One way or another. My son and his wife had two car accidents within a couple months of each other. Their young children weren't with them. I freaked when I heard about it. They drove to the coast for little vacation and I prayed diligently while they were gone. We love them always and forever. Praying mr 21 gets healed up and you feel better soon too. Stress headaches are really no fun. Hugs my friend.

Unknown said...

I am so glad that our son is ok. It could have been so much worse! I just don't understand this "game". He sure was a lucky guy. Hopefully things will turn around for you son and things won't be so hectic! Hugs, Teresa

Amy at love made my home said...

So sorry that Mr 21 had to endure this horrible thing. That is so awful and very frightening for you all. I hope that he is all better very soon and that nothing like this will ever happen to him again. Being at home with Mom and the rest of his family will help I am sure. As for the rest, don't worry about e-mails! Plenty of people keep reassuring me of exactly the same and so I share all of their reassurances with you along with mine that we really do understand and don't mind! Just take care of your boys! And yourself of course too!!! Hugs as always. xx

Preeti said...

That was a terrible thing to happen. By God's grace he is fine. It really makes me scary when I hear such things and that even young boys are not safe. Mothers with young daughters worry even more. I would only wish you hold your tears back and give him strength and courage and not to let hatred get inside him. Sad thing that we cannot even hate but that's how civilised people have to live, forget and forgive but become brave.

Ali said...

How awful for you all, things like this rock your faith in humanity. I hope your son heals quickly and you can all soon put this behind you. Your all in my thoughts x

Ingrid K. said...

Dear Meredith,

I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to your son.
Of course you are shaken up, it's only natural.
Sending you both some gentle hugs!!!
Ingrid xx
Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

Janet said...

What a terrible thing to happen. I'm so glad he has only bruises to show for it and nothing more serious. I sympathise with you and your reactions, being a mum is tough. I hope that you manage to get on top of your busy week. Please do not feel the need to apologise for having lots of stuff going on that's keeping you busy. Hugs to you and your family. Janet XXX

gaia said...

Dear Meredith,
It is a terrible thing what happened to your son, I am glad he is doing better.Take care,
Gaia.

mamasmercantile said...

What type of world are we living in? It makes me so angry that this is becoming the norm... you are in my prayers.

CJ said...

Oh Meredith, how dreadful, I'm horrified, and not at all surprised that you've had a horrible headache since he told you. I do hope he heals very soon. As you say, thank goodness he will mend. Please don't feel you ever have to send email replies to my comments, I shan't mind at all if you don't. I hope you manage to find some time for yourself to relax a bit. No doubt it is lovely to have your boys all at home together, I'm glad they're there with you. CJ xx

Unknown said...

Meredith, what an awful thing to read, I'm so sorry for your son! I sure am glad he wasn't hurt in a more serious way, but that's such a bad thing that happened to him, poor boy... no wonder you're stressed out, it's scary indeed! Sending you my thoughts and hugs, hope you'll both feel better soon... xx

moonstruckcreations said...

That is truly horrendous so grateful he is okay. These things happen here in the UK oOn a far too regular basis. I have even had the horrible experience of being assaulted by a woman high as a kite of goodness knows what.

Much love to you all Helenxx

kathy b said...

Oh Meredith. This is such disturbing news. Im praying for all of you during this hard and awful time.
I know others this has happened to in Chicago at gunpoint

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Meredith, I am so saddened to hear what happen to your son. That is horrible, but like you said thank God he is going to recover and was not hurt worse. It is a bad world, full of so many ugly hateful people. I pray for a safer world daily and hope things get better. Hugs to you all, xoRobin

Debbie said...

I'm very sorry to read what happened to your son and hope that he has a full recovery and will put this behind him and move on. I can't understand how cruel some people can be!

Karen said...

Meredith, I feel awful for you and for your son. What a terrible thing to have happened. You're right, this is a messed up world in so many ways, it makes it even more important that we celebrate the good and the joyful happenings. Because there are plenty of those. I don't think we can help our reactions in times like these. Not long ago, my son came by to tell me something that was going on in his life, and I think back to how I reacted -- yikes -- I wish I could have been calmer for him. But it just came from my heart, unedited (not bad, but a rant just the same). I just spilled out my heart. We're human, it happens. So glad your son is okay. Big hug to you, my friend.

kathyinozarks said...

I don't want to repeat what everyone else has said-but so frightening for all of you-big hugs being sent to you. don't worry about us-we will always be here for you-Kathy

wenhkc said...

I'm here via Claudia's blog. Am saddened and disheartened by the emptiness in some people's lives that they have to turn to violence. I'm sorry your son was caught in the middle, but relieved he will be physically fine. With loving support, the psychological scars will heal as well. Both of you take care.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

I am so glad that your son wasn't hurt worse. What a terrible thing. Ugh, it makes one lose faith in people. I imagine he's secretly glad to be fussed over a bit.

Grammy Braxton said...

Oh, Meredith. I can't begin to imagine how upset you were and still must be. Even though Mr. 21 is off on his own for the most part, he is still your little boy. I'm so glad he wasn't hurt worse, and very thankful he is with you for a while. Give yourself a hug from me and know that I am thinking of you. Oh, and while you are at it, give Little Buddy one also.
Big Hugs,
Sharon

Mary said...

That is awful to hear...it happened to my son when he was a teen, 20 years ago. Spent hours in ER....everything fine but those are scary hours. I am glad your son was not badly hurt. Good thoughts your way.

Lilbitbrit said...

Hi Meredith, a big hug to you. I am so sorry at what happened to your son. So glad that on the physical side he is OK and with such a loving family I'm sure he will be OK. It just shakes you to the core, hope you feel better soon and strong family always helps pull you through and you have that.

Take care,
Christy

Helen said...

How horrible, I am so glad your son is safe and home with you. There are some truly horrible people out there, thank goodness for the truly wonderful people in the world. I hope he recovers from his injuries soon and isn't too shaken up - it must be very frightening. Thinking of you all xo

tana50 said...

I was reading Claudia's blog and I read about your son's horrible incident. I am so glad his injuries will all heal and he will be well. This is truly a dangerous world we live in and it is so hard to think constantly about staying safe. You wonderful son is in my prayers. You and your family are in my prayers also. It is a good reminder for all of us to think about staying safe all the time.

Nancy Blue Moon said...

Dear Meredith..I'm visiting from Claudia's blog as she told us what happened to your son...I sometimes say..can the world get any crazier..and then I read about senseless acts like this and I know the answer..and the answer scares me..Thank goodness that he is alive and his body will heal and he will go on with his studies and make you proud..So many children are being lost through the craziness these days..It's so good that he was able to come home to you as I'm sure being home will help him feel better and it must be a comfort to you also...I can only imagine the terror I would have felt if it were my son...Anyhow..it was nice to visit you again..of course I had to scroll down to see pictures of sweet Little Buddy..what adorable pictures of him with his sock puppets..He is such a precious little guy..Tell him I caught his kiss too and it tasted like chocolate chip cookies..lol..Sending best wishes to all, Nancy

Donnamae said...

I am so sorry to hear what happened to your son via Claudia. Senseless...there is no other word. Please accept this virtual hug from Wisconsin (())...hope you will both recover quickly! ;)

Jo said...

That is really awful news. Keep being a great mum and look after yourself too! Jo x

Melanie said...

I first read this story on Claudia's blog. Oh Meredith, I am so, so sorry. It makes me want to scream and cry all at the same time. This is just horrifying. I have a college-aged son too and he walks home from bars or parties, too. I worry about him all the time. I am thankful he wasn't hurt worse and that in the long run, he'll be OK. My mama heart hurts with yours. {{hugs}}

Unknown said...

It is just so wrong and impossible to understand. This brought back one of my worst nightmares as a mom. Dave was also beaten up in Ann Arbor. Nothing stolen but he had to have a metal plate put in his face because of the damage to the bones. I don't understand violence but especially when it happens like this. I am so sorry.
Love,
Eileen

RURAL said...

This is awful, I'm so very sorry that this happened to him. How very scary, and worrisome, I'm sending you a great big virtual hug, and hope that he is healing fast.

Jen

Deanna said...

Meredith, I came by way of MHC and wanted to give you a big hug for you and your family.

handmade by amalia said...

It takes a while to recover from a big fright, you shouldn't push yourself.
I'm behind myself, not because of some fab vacation but a horrid flu. In August :-(
Amalia
xo

Chris K in Wisconsin said...

So senseless. What is happening to our world? The leaders and politicians treat each other like scum and show no respect to ANYONE....and people applaud that?? Why would we expect that others out on the streets would think they also simply can do whatever they please when this is what we see on TV and in the headlines every single day. Compassion and decency seem to have been lost in the world and we are definitely the losers. I was always told to lead by example... I truly do not understand. So glad you have him home for a few days for your own sanity. People with small children obsess over each burp and bump,,,,they have no idea of what is ahead in parenting. It never ends. As they get older and bigger, so do the problems and concerns.

linda said...

So sorry to hear about what happened to your son there are some very sick people out there I'm so glad it wasn't any worse, belated birthday greetings to Max xx I'm like you Meredith so far behind with the blogging and the leaving of comments sometimes I have time to have a quick read but not the time to reply but that's life and we do the best we can, enjoy your weekend I hope your headach is better. xxx

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

That really is sad news, how awful for you all to have to go through something like that. I'm so glad he's home safe now xx

Elle Clancy said...

Hi, Meredith: I too am a visitor (and now reader of yours!) sent here by Claudia. Such an awful story but unfortunately a familiar one. My daughter is a recent graduate of Ohio State and my son will start his freshman year there next week. So many are correct: your son's attack was a senseless act, and one that happens way too often around town and campus. My daughter's sophomore year saw a whole slew of these "random" acts; the police said they were being done as gang initiations. Ridiculous. The school (and town) are actually phenomenal; wish they could get a handle on the crime. Glad to know your son is on the mend!

Elle

NE/ME said...

I am so sorry to hear about your son (I read Claudia's blog). What a terrible and scary thing!! I have been through a violent crime with a family member and I know how hard it is. So thankful that he is okay. Sending love and hugs!

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

oh, my goodness Meredith, how awful - so glad to hear that your son is ok. My younger son's best friend had a similar happen thing to him, he ended up in hospital, he was 18. He isn't very tall and is one of the kindest young men you know, no threat at all, it is senseless isn't it? Hoping you have an easier few days
Caz xx

Chris said...

I just don't know what to say. That's just horrific . It's stupid, senseless, disgusting vicious and beyond belief. And it is becoming increasingly common. Well I'm happy your boy is with you and he is on the mend. These things can drive us poor moms crazy with the what ifs- usually happens at 3am! Your poor head, I'm really concerned about you as well. Sending your hugs and power healing thoughts

Caffeine Girl said...

Oh dear, Meredith. I am shocked by what happened to your son. And it was men, huh? Not older boys/teens? A number of my students have participated in such "random" attacks as part of getting "jumped into" gangs. I do not understand such cruelty. I couldn't even spank my children! I can yell, but no violence!

I hope that by now, your boy's face is on the mend and your headache is a weak memory. 2015 has been and up and down year for your family!

WildflowerWool said...

Oh my goodness Meredith, that is a mother's worst nightmare when her kids leave home. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt worse. Hugs!!!

Mrs. Micawber said...

Oh Mere, I am crying for you right now, and for your son. What happened is beyond horrible, beyond words.

I am so glad he's all right.

I hope your headache is better.

BIG hugs to you.

elns said...

Ugh. People. I'm so sorry your boy was assaulted. I'm glad he's okay considering. I'm glad you're okay considering. I don't have such an experience, but I do understand the desire for ones loved ones to always be safe. You're aware of the world, but really they oughtta just leave us all alone, right?

Take care of you and yours.

Unknown said...

So glad he is OK physically. And I understand your reactions. Moms are like that.

Toni said...

Good heavens--how frightening! I'm so glad he's okay, but I am very sorry that he has encountered such awful people.

Thinking of both of you........

Gracie Saylor said...

Belatedly, Happy Birthday to Max, and cheers for Kathy B's puppets for and friendship with you and Little Buddy. I too am so grateful that Mr. 21 is alive and healing and I pray that you all will heal from the trauma, Meredith. Many hugs...and please try to get plenty of rest. xx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I'm so glad to hear he is okay. I just will never understand what goes on in the mind of these demented individuals who do these types of things. It doesn't make any sense. How do they live with themselves? Really, really sick. Did he report the incident to the police? People like that should be locked up and given a few electric shocks every day. Perhaps it would rewire their evil little brains. Hugs to you, Tammy

Crafty in the Med said...

OMG Meredith!!!!!!
I so understand your reaction! I'm so glad your son is okay too!
How horrible. Actually I am speechless ....how can people do that!!!

Take care now

Amanda xx

Vicki Boster said...

Meredith- I read this a few days ago but am just now getting here to comment... Just reading this story made my heart stop. As a Mother I cannot imagine your thoughts and fears that you must have had. Thank God your son was not hurt more seriously. What is wrong with people???? I'm so sorry that this awful thing happened to your family... God was surely watching out for your son that night..
Love
Vicki

EMMA said...

Hi
just doing a little catch up and I came across this....goodness me how terrible. Glad to hear that Mr 21 is Ok. Why on earth do people do things like that.
Hugs to all
Emma