How a Stranger Helped Calm My Son During His Meltdown in the Hospital

Shots are no fun for anyone whether you a disability or not. My son, Trenton, who has severe autism, always has to have shots when he gets sick. Unfortunately, he doesn’t like swallowing pills. On this particular day, when Trenton had to have a shot, we experienced something much different than we had before.

It’s always instant tears and a meltdown when he figures out what is going to happen. Nothing can really prepare me for it. Every time it’s the same old story; it takes two nurses and Mommy to hold him down while another nurse gives him the shot.

This time was no different. Trenton screamed his blood-curdling screams. The sweat on his body drenched his clothes in a matter of seconds. His body squirmed all over the place, and we tried our best to hold him down so the nurse could inject his body with the medicine he needed to get over his illness.

It took all of my strength to help hold him down. His tears and screams broke my heart. It’s not only physically hard but mentally hard as well. If only he would swallow a pill!

Finally, it was over. The nurse got the shot in his leg. We all let go of him, but that was just the beginning of his meltdown. He continued to scream and cry. Nothing I did could make him stop screaming and crying. His cries and screams could be heard all over the main floor of the hospital.

I frantically looked for something in my purse to help him stop screaming so we could walk out to our car. But, of course, I had nothing. This was the one time that I didn’t have anything in my purse for him in an emergency, and this qualified as an emergency.

Not only is Trenton drenched in sweat, I was, too. I was so aggravated at myself for not being prepared and was starting to worry if I would ever get him out of the hospital.

Then, out of nowhere, a kind woman walked up to us and handed him a sensory caterpillar toy. He instantly stopped screaming and started fidgeting with the toy.

I finally got him to walk out of the hospital quietly. He was so engaged in his new toy that he was as happy as a lark! I thanked the woman over and over. I found out she watched the whole situation and knew I needed help. She went to the gift store in the hospital and bought him a toy. I’m still grateful for this woman to this day. I fear what would have happened if she didn’t come to our rescue. It’s so nice to know there are people out there who will help others in time of need.

In my eyes, she was an angel to Trenton and me. I hope she knows her act of kindness will never be forgotten.

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