The boy with the giant ear

Why is it the worst children’s health problems always seem to happen on nights and weekends and holidays?

You know, when your only option is the incredibly expensive emergency room visit?

Saturday morning brought an unusual surprise.

Our three-year-old boy woke up with an unusually large ear.

His ear had swollen up to more than twice its usual size.

We examined it closely and came to the conclusion that he must have been bitten on the ear by a fire ant.

I’m sure he has been bitten by fire ants many time before.

Heck. Who in south Texas hasn’t?

But this was a very unusual reaction and it was cause for some concern.

Of course, it was pretty funny looking too.

It was hard to keep from smiling, giggling or laughing when looking at this boy’s asymmetrical, and lop-sided head.

It was hard to avoid calling him "Dumbo."

I called him that once over at my Mom and Dad’s house and was quickly chastised by my Dad for the remark.

But it was huge.

Remarkably so.

If it had been a weekday, we probably would have taken him to the doctor’s office to have it checked out, but since it was a weekend… We just decided to wait and see.

Slowly, but surely, the swelling began to recede.

By Sunday afternoon it was only 150 percent of its normal size.

By Monday morning, 125 percent.

I couldn’t resist the urge to take pictures and video with my ever-convenient cell phone, so that one day I can show him proof of the boy with the giant ear.

With three little kids, life at our house is an ongoing adventure.

We really never know what’s waiting for us around the corner.

I suppose that’s what makes it so much fun.