What a way to say "Happy Birthday!"

Well, I got "the call" from Braden's school yesterday afternoon.  The office called to tell me that my poor little guy had thrown up at school.  I don't think in all 17 years of my education I ever threw up AT school.  I always felt bad for the kids that did, and even worse when I was teaching and it happened to a kid.  I mean, throwing up is no fun, but doing so away from home is just plain horrible!  Luckily I was on my way towards the school (I planned to pick up a quick lunch, eat in the parking lot, and be there a few minutes early anyways).  I just skipped the lunch part and hurried to his aid.  All the way there, I imagined that he was covered in vomit and sobbing for his mommy or daddy.  When I got to the school, and into his classroom, I found Braden sitting in a chair in the middle of the room.  He was talking up a storm with his teacher (the rest of the class was outside at recess), and was still in the clothes I sent him in that morning.  I had to ask for details - did he have a fever, did he make it to the bathroom or at least the trash can, had he eaten lunch, did he even have an appetite, etc???  I was trying to figure out if this was the awful stomach bug that tends to travel through an entire family before it leaves the residence; or if it was the result of a cold that has lasted for WEEKS and has just made him nauseous to the point that his little tummy finally gave in.

Here's the story I got...  First of all, Braden lit up when he saw me, smiled, and ran over to give me a hug.  He then got really quiet and told me that he "sthrew up" ALL OVER his friend, Valerie.  I think I was in complete shock at that point.  I mean, it's traumatic to throw up at school in front of everyone, but ALL OVER a friend!!!  Much less, the friend is a little GIRL!  I didn't know who to feel worse for... Braden, Valerie, the teachers, or Valerie's mom.  His teacher was there as he told me the story and she agreed, "yes, it was all over her, but luckily the second time he made it to the trash can."  My heart sunk.  I felt so horrible, so we just quickly gathered his things and went on our way.  As we got away from the classroom, Braden's lip started to quiver (as if he was trying to talk and couldn't fight off the tears that got in the way).  I got down on my knee and asked him what was wrong.  He said, "Mommy, I sthrew up all over Valerie and her Birthday clothes and ruined her birthday sticker!  I'm so sad!  And, my Daddy left me to go on a trip yesterday and I want him back!"  I was crushed for him, because he was truly devastated and it hurts to see your child hurt like that. 

We went on home, got me a quick lunch on the way (Braden was asleep before we left the parking lot), and then picked up Kaylee from school.  He never did throw up again that night, and even begged for Chinese food for dinner.  (I decided a plain tortilla and a few bites of a pear were more along the lines of what he needed).  He did fine, and crashed that night.  He even woke up this morning feeling much better.  I'm still scared to death to send him back to school, because I don't want him to have to deal with that again.  We'll see what the morning brings, and hopefully before too much longer we will ALL be able to laugh about this pathetic little event.  I'm pretty sure that Valerie won't forget it any time soon.  (In fact, her 4th birthday might be a pretty memorable one).