The Angst and Possibilities To Not Give Up When You're A Teenage!

Too soon before our family’s long awaited summer vacation, my 15 year old son broke his thumb and unfortunately surgery was required to reset the bone.  When he finally awoke from the operation, he was laid out in the recovery room with a plaster cast and two pins inserted through the skin to hold the bone in place.  The doctor gave us strict instructions to keep the cast DRY, not dry for the most part or as dry as possible but 100% DRY.  Alas, my son’s plans to surf or do anything water related for that matter on our vacation seemed futile. (mind you we were headed to San Diego)

As the departure day drew near, he approached me with an idea.  His resourceful nature led him to search the Internet and find a cast cover made from latex.  The manufacturer claimed ‘IT WAS WATERPROOF!’ (angels singing).  It was designed for patients who require hydrotherapy treatments. (but it made no claims about surfing!)

In my son’s mind this was proof that his summer surfing plans were back on track.  I wondered how smart it was to subject a broken thumb held together with pins to the turbulent ocean water for the sake of a few hours of teenage fun.  I imagined explaining to the hand surgeon why I had decided to ignore his advice and risk an infection or even something worse. What could I possibly say to the doctor as he removed a soggy cast from my son’s hand? (scratching head in wonderment)

After a spirited discussion with my teenager I relented (I know what you parents are thinking right now…who’s in charge?) and let him give it a try.  Apparently arguments based on logic are not effective on 15 year old boys. (wonder if I was ever that way…)

Now, fully engaged and standing on the sand in San Diego, I had to help him get his wetsuit sleeve over his cast, then help him stretch the waterproof glove over the same cast that was encased with the wetsuit sleeve.  Both tasks required pulling and stretching (picture the cartoon character that has two legs pushing on the other person as the glove is being stretched about a mile downroad )  You can imagine how this made for some great comic relief on the beach.  We attracted giggles and grins from sun bathers and surfers alike. After the lengthy preparation and final “seal” of approval, he made his way into the waves with surfboard in tow.

In the water, he found that surfing is really a two hand sport, but over the course of the week he became more proficient at one handed surfing.  He had a great time and really enjoyed the exhilaration of catching a wave.  He mastered the challenge of balance and timing.  His summer vacation dreams were fulfilled and he managed to keep the cast “mostly” dry. (oops I did say mostly didn’t I)

Back at the doctor’s office after vacation, he made no mention of the blatant violation of the rules.  I certainly didn’t bring it up either. 

Looking back on the events, I was inspired by my son’s enthusiasm. Faced with a challenge, he refused to let his dream die.  Sometimes age and experience will tempt us to hold back and remain on the conservative side of decisions when instead we should say “let’s try it!” or “let’s see if there are other options to talk about”.  The “I don’t think so” and the “that may not work” are just temporary roadblocks that help to eventually steer us towards a better conclusion.