Burlison Family Public Service Announcement

Just when you think your child wouldn't do something totally random and crazy, think again. Mary Ella, nearing 4 1/2, has done a lot of maturing over this last year. We've had many of the "talks" about stranger safety, bicycle safety, car safety, and fire safety. Being the fearful child she sometimes can be, we often repeat the talks over and over again (she perseverates on things like this). She knows the lectures backwards and forwards. That is why the story I'm am about to write comes as a "shock" (no pun intended...read further).

So it was a normal event. Molly awoke expecting an immediate feed. My routine is to pick her up, close doors, and get the kiddos occupied to decrease the probability that I will have to rescue, mainly Addy, from some sort of "no, no" activity. As I sat down Mary Ella did something that required a "time out" to think. She went to the time out spot and a few minutes later she began crying like she had been hurt. I called her in and she said she hurt her knee, but was very vague about what caused it. I inspected the knee and there was no sign of injury, so I sent her on her way. After feeding Molly, I fed the other two and got them down for a nap. I proceeded to the computer where I found no power. I thought, "that is weird", so I checked the surge protector...again, no power. Changed out surge protector...no power. I looked over to my right and saw a metal key sticking out of the electrical socket with a black ring around it....it would be appropriate to gasp here. I wasn't sure whether to cry or be angry...maybe both???? Mary Ella had been shocked. After working in two burn units and seeing the devastating effects of electrical shock injuries, I had a total visceral reaction.

As the day wore on, more details came out about how she saw fire. I thought, "she knows to come get me if she sees fire..." but the fact is that she didn't because she was afraid of getting in trouble. Now fortunately the fuse blew quickly avoiding significant injury and it looks like the key ring took the bulk of the blow, but oh my goodness...what if??? Usually the sockets are all covered, but when Scott and I put up some of the Halloween decorations the socket cover didn't get replaced. The bottom line is, I never would have thought my 4 1/2 year old would still be curious enough to do something like this. Guess I was wrong. So learn from us....replace those socket covers because let's face it, sometimes kiddos can do totally random and crazy things.