As parents, we worry about our kids in ways they don’t comprehend, at least until they become parents themselves. We do our best to prepare them and send them out into the world, hoping against all odds they make good decisions along the way, but knowing full well that they are going to hit a few bumps now and again.

This week, I encountered the biggest bump yet as a mom. I’m sure a lot of you have been there...your kid leaves the house, and, nowadays, has a cell phone with him that he is told to answer or respond to if you call them. Of course, the times he doesn’t answer, you picture the worst in your mind. You know deep down that your thoughts are likely irrational. And then, your worst fears are realized.

On Monday evening, Michael didn’t answer his phone when his dad called him. Being a parent, like any of us, his dad feared the worst. He hopped in the car, called a few more times with no answer, when he came across Michael on the ground with his friend standing over him. With no choice but to, he reacted. Michael was unresponsive, but then was talking. When his dad asked if he was okay, he responded with a weak and mumbled, “no.”

I met them at Belton Regional Medical Center, where Michael was thoroughly checked out, his head and neck scanned, and he was monitored closely for some time. A short while later, he and I took our first-ever ambulance ride over to Children’s Mercy, where they would do more tests and examinations.

It was a long night, and without a doubt one of the most terrifying of my life. But, despite a baseball-sized goose egg on the back of his head and an obvious concussion, Michael is okay. As I write this, he’s at home in his bed sleeping as the rain falls on yet another dreary morning. Despite the rain, there’s sunshine in my world today.

I’ve told Michael before that he’s got some of the greatest guardian angels looking after him. I am positive that they were there with him this week. His dad is a superhero. The nurses at BRMC, the medics from Belton, and the doctors at CMH were amazing and took good care of my boy. And, Michael is the strongest, bravest kid I know.

He’s okay. And I thank God for that, and I’ll continue to count my blessings for a long, long time to come.