We took Josiah for his helmet fitting a while back. I had anticipated the entire experience would be uncomfortable and difficult. Thankfully it was not. Rick went with me. I knew it would take a pair of strong hands to hold Josiah while the helmet was placed on his head. I knew Josiah would not be agreeable to the fitting.
I did not know they would put a PINK helmet on his head. Josiah was a trooper through it all. He did not like the helmet initially. We did have to hold his arms down while it was placed on his head. He’s a strong kid. I’m glad Rick was there to help manage him. Once the helmet was on, Josiah seemed not to mind so much. Maybe the pressure felt good on his head. Maybe he didn’t realize he was wearing a pink helmet. Light pink actually.
Josiah left the helmet on long enough for me to snap a picture. Then it came off. We assured the technician we did not mind waiting for a blue helmet to be ordered. Josiah’s teacher called me Friday. Josiah had gotten angry about something. No one was really sure what had made him mad. But whatever it was upset him enough he flew into a rage. He punched himself repeatedly in the head. He had to be removed to a quieter place and restrained so he wouldn’t hurt himself or anyone else. It lasted almost 20 minutes.
His teacher had never seen him that upset before. She did everything she could to help him during that difficult time. I assured her a helmet was on it’s way. Josiah and I picked up his helmet Monday. It’s dark blue. Suits him better I think. It actually looks alot like an old fashioned football helmet, but is made of dense foam.
It now travels to school with Josiah in his backpack every day. I hope he never has to wear it. I hope he never ‘rages’ ever again. But one can never be sure. In the event he needs it, it’s comforting to know we have something to protect Josiah from himself. Still not sure how we will manage to strap a helmet on a raging, thrashing body, should the situation present itself. Guess we’ll figure that out eventually.
Might not be a bad idea to get a matching helmet for me.