So, we decided to make a run to the corner store last night for pop & milk. Left about 9 back by 9:15. Easy Peasy. As soon as we got home, the kids made a mad dash for the door, as they always do. And I called for them to slow down, as I always do. And they listened...sort of. They pulled back & waited for me, while Juan was still doing something at the van. As soon as I got near, they decided to "race" up our concrete porch steps. All was ok, for about a second or so. Then I saw Kimmy's foot catch on the top stair & watched helplessly as her body was lunged forward, her head bashing into the edge of the brick. Bashing sounds a little gruesome, I suppose. But bashing is exactly what occurred. It all happened in slow motion too. BAM! I yelled her name & she looked up at me and started screaming. Blood was gushing out of her head & down her face. Andrew started sobbing instantly & saying,"I'm gonna pass out! I'm gonna pass out!" When I told my sister that today she called Andrew "A Gentle Giant".  That's a pretty accurate description, I'd say. As soon as Bella saw all of this, she started sobbing, too. I have to say that for about 10 seconds, I was freaking out. But then I remembered what my counselor told me. "Your kids will take their cue from you. If you become panicked, so will they..." Wise words. So, there was Kimmy looking up at me, trying to read my face to see if she was going to make it out of this situation alive or not. "Calm Shannon, Calm!" I told myself. And scooped her up. She was still wailing, but I think it definitely helped the situation for me to not be wailing right along with them. Cuz that is exactly what I wanted to do. By this time Juan had heard the commotion & came running up. I turned towards him & told him we had to take her to the hospital "Right Now!!" He nodded & I gave her to him as I fumbled for my house keys. I had to get something to put on her wound. Finally, found them. Should I call 911 or take her there? Take her. She's still sobbing. The whole time I'm saying,"It's ok, Kimmy! It's gonna be ok Baby". When we made it to the van Juan sat in the back seat with her so he could hold the rag on her head. On the way there, Kimmy got quiet & it freaked me out, I called her name & she answered. So then, I tried to keep her talking. I think it probably took us about 10 minutes to get to the hospital, but it felt like 30. When we got there, I took her in. The rag on her head was completely soaked through. I remember crying once we got inside. We had made it there & she was still alive. Praise God! The lady at the front desk didnt even bat an eyelash at Kimmy's bloody head...Or a smile either. Bitter cold. Then she took about 5 whole minutes to even come & help us. I have to say I am an extremely friendly person. And, I try to always be nice. However, this woman was making me furious. I wanted to start shouting,"Can't you see my baby? Can't you see she's bleeding?" For Kimmy's sake, I refrained, although I'm sure the look on my face spoke volumes. Then they took us back & did an X-ray. The nurse was really nice & let Kimmy look at her X-rays. Kimmy was starting to calm down...and so was I. No problems with her actual skull, thank God. They gave gave her 7 stitches and she was so brave. She cried when they stuck the needle in her head, about 5 times. I told her everyone was gonna think she was so cool at school on Monday, and she smiled. She asked if she was still gonna be able to get her picture taken. I told her yes, that now her face was even more special. She smiled about that too. We stopped at Speedway on the way home & let Kimmy pick out any candy she wanted. When we got home, I told Bella she had to be nice to Kimmy and she said,"How long Mama? Forever?? When can I stop?"  Stinkin Bella...lol Just so thankful to God that she made it out ok. Makes you think how quickly someone can be taken from us. Just one accident and they can be gone...