It’s now 1.15am and I have just got back from the Accident and Emergency Department of our local hospital, where I have been with my teenage son. He was punched in the face tonight on his way back from football training by a drunk youth. He needed four stitches to a split lip. He was very brave. I tried to be, but at one point, when they couldn’t get the stitches right, I thought I was going to be sick and/or faint.
He is quite proud of his wound and I have to say I was very proud of him tonight. He was the only one of his mates not to run away leaving three girls alone. His attacker shook his hand, turned to walk away and then punched him. All five of his friends ran off in different directions. He walked with the girls to the kebab shop where some of the parents were and deposited them safely back. So, although he’s the one with the injury, his credibility remains intact. What should you do in that situation? That bloke could have had a knife, or decided to beat the shit out of him. He was talking about being a member of a gang and to watch out.
I imagine my son has learnt a valuable life lesson tonight. Not sure what it is though.
December 8th, 2007 at 5:31 am
Oh God, Lulu, I do remember, vividly, being terrified for Son on many occasions when he was out at night with his mates in Cambridge. A possible knife is the most terrifying thing. Your son behaved wonderfully in such circumstances – you must be very proud (as they said in Four Weddings and a Funeral!!)
Margot xx
December 8th, 2007 at 5:40 am
A valuable lesson that sometimes you just have to do what is right regardless of the consequences. We need more sons like yours.
December 8th, 2007 at 6:36 am
oh good grief, lulu, what a horrible thing to happen to your son – but what a noble son you have! what would i have done? i don’t know – everybody reacts in different ways. if the attacker was drunk i doubt that he’ll remember your son’s face again – then again, it could have been an empty and pathetic threat.
December 9th, 2007 at 12:47 am
Oh my God – every mother’s nightmare….