So Proud of Patty

Patty and I had to have a blood test to check for allergies.  Who knew there was such a thing?  Sounds so much easier than those skin tests I've heard about.  Still, I wasn't looking forward to the test because Patty hadn't had a blood test since she was one.

I let the tech draw my blood first hoping it would make Patty at ease if she could see what was going to happen.  Not sure it helped, she was pretty upset just at the idea of getting a "shot". 

As a backup, I also brought Grammie (my mom).  All things are better when grandmothers are involved.  I speak from personal experience.  See, when I was a kid, I had to have weekly blood tests to keep a check on my arthritis.  My Grandmomma often went with us and would sit in the chair and hold me on her lap.  It made all the difference.

So imagine my warm and fuzzy when Patty wanted Grammie to sit with her.  I think I could have cried, really.  It just brought back so many memories from my childhood.  Obviously the blood tests were not a good memory, but the thoughts of my grandmother are happy ones.

I was able to hold myself together since Patty is a strong kid and I worried she'd have a fit and make it really difficult to get the needle in her arm.  Thankfully the lab staff was wonderful and I'm guessing they've had many troublesome patients over the years.  One tech had a death grip on her arm while the other carefully wielded the needle.  Another woman kept talking to Patty, trying to distract her.  it was such a team effort.  It was like once Patty started crying everyone came out to help.  They were great.

Once the initial shock was over, Patty was actually really calm.  I am so proud of her.  She got a pink band on her arm and a Cinderella sticker.  Such a champ!  But, I hope we don't have to have any more blood work anytime soon!