Tales of the ER
Upon meeting me for the first time, many ask, “What is wrong with your eye?” The answer is simple. It is a mere battle scar from my lack of focus, resulting in a sharp stab to the eye with my bassoon reed. Many cringe at the thought, but I am no stranger to clumsiness.
My accidental nature began at the tender age of one, when I was inspired by my then idol, Superman, to don a cape and fly around the living room. Of course, the hazards of the incredibly sharp corner of the fireplace mantle (and the thought that I could not actually fly), never even crossed my toddler mind. So, I squatted, and with all the gusto and vigor of Clark Kent, I jumped off the arm of the sofa.
Needless to say, I passed my milestone of “first stitches” even before I had even finished teething.
Thus began a long love affair with me and the ER. From accidentally pouring a scalding pot of chili on my face at the age of three, to having to get my finger partially sewn back on after slamming it in the port-o-potty door when I was four, the various strands of grey in the hair of my parents grew out far before their time.
With the announcement of a baby girl on the way, the worries of my parents soon subsided. “It’s a girl,” they said, “and girls do not get injured NEARLY as much as boys do.”
As ornery as my sister is, she proved them wrong in a heartbeat.
Broken bones and stiches galore soon became the norm in the Tipton household, and I have ridden in far more ambulances than I am proud to admit. It only took a matter of time before the staff at the emergency room became very familiar with my family (and our wallets).
Sometimes I feel bad about taking years off of my parents’ lives due to the stress of an injured child, but to be honest, I cannot imagine my life without all of my accidents. I guess for now, I can just be thankful that I have gained some grace, if only just a little.
Guten tag! My name is Kendall Tipton, and, as a senior, it is my first (and last) year on staff. When not in newspaper, I direct the band as senior drum major, compete in speech and debate events, and serve as Lieutenant Governor for Division 7/33 in...
Hellllloooo! My name is Abby Caviness, and this is my third year on staff. Though my height suggests otherwise, I am a senior and will turn 18 on 11/11. I am a member of the Soaring Pride Band as a marimba player and an oboe player during concert season....