Mommy, Why Did You Crush My Fingers in the Car Door?

This photo has nothing to do with this post

So, I accidentally shut the car door on Mgazi’s fingers the other day. I am POSITIVE that she was more scared than hurt. Regardless, there was a lot of crying, comforting, and apologizing. She was crying. I was apologizing. She finally calmed down and said, “Mommy, I just don’t understand WHY you would do that to me.”

I said, “I didn’t do it on purpose, Gaz. It was an accident. I’m sorry.”

She replied, “It’s okay. I just wish I knew why you did that thing.”

“Mgazi, I just told you. It was an accident. I didn’t mean to shut the door on your hand. I am very very sorry.”

“It’s okay, Mommy. I love you.” She paused. “Can you just tell me why?”

I pretended not to hear her, turned up the car radio. Why wouldn’t she just let it go? Did she want a bigger/better apology? Was she angling for a “Mommy-is-feeling-guilty” ice cream cone? Or did she truly want to know WHY I slammed her fingers in the car door?

Hey Gaz, pick the answer that best fits the question.

A) Because Mommy is rushed and not paying attention.

B) Because you didn’t move your fingers fast enough.

C) Because Mommy has a little pent-up aggression quietly bubbling under her seemingly smooth surface… kidding!

The answer is actually D.

D) Because she did. She did and she’s really sorry.

 

6 insightful thoughts by 6 brilliant people

  1. I caught my son David’s fingers in the car door once… and watched the expression of horror slowly cover his face as we realized what had happened. The car door was locked… and as he began to scream, I had to hold my composure to unlock the door before I could open it. It still gives me chills thinking about it.

  2. Oh my gosh! I don’t know what I would have done if I had actually hurt her. I did once hurt Zaffron. Burned her ear with a flat iron. Nice, huh? I cried more than she did! And she cried a lot!

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