3 Ginger Snaps

Tonight I marvelled at the cohesive strength of my extended family. It is my current state of mind after spending the past 7 days with them.

Ruby got a substantial sliver in her foot while walking down to the beach after a skillfully prepared summer feast. (Stay tunes for a public safety announcement about the benefits of wearing shoes). It appears to be spine-like. Perhaps it is the thorn broken off a local inhabitant. Perhaps a random shard of shell set free from its mollusc by the random tumbling of the ways. Perhaps I prefer to think of it as a fossilized shard of some ancient predator of the depths. Regardless – it was painful and it had to come out.

The above picture shows a finger for some perspective on the size of the offence. The second some perspective on the pain.

Uncle Marty and Aunt Ali saved us a night in the ER. And Aunt Ali has the most rocking first aid kit this side of the Rocky Mountains. Not to mention steady hands!

Assessment of the situation

Getting out the pro kit.

Moving to the patio to wait for the anesthetic gel to take affect. And to benefit from explanation of procedure and the calming nature of the ocean.

The removal.

The trophy.

Alls well that ends well. Ruby is relaxed, sliver-less, slathered in disinfectant cream and in bed. So all is well.

Along with the memory of how tremendously heartwarming it was to see my family spring into action for the save, I shall also retain the beautiful way in which the cousins and siblings took care of one another. They were supportive, generous, honest, and concerned for one another’s well being and they kept one another present and helpful in an otherwise completely unpleasant moment.