OWWWWWWW!!!

I was introduced to pain as I have never endured before, today. I had just put Joseph to bed for his nap when, starting down the stairs, I stepped on a wasp that had sneaked itself into the house. The sharp pain of the sting, right at the base of my left middle toe, went on and on, burning, until my whole foot throbbed with it. Jonathan ran for Benadryl and hydracortisone cream while Elena stared and Joseph screamed much as I had a second earlier. It felt like the pain would go on forever. I guess I thought it would sting for a bit and then fade, much like an ant bite. No such luck. The worst part may have been how clear-headed I was. I've done pain, worse than that, even, but never without the blessing of the mind-numbing side of pain. We made it down the stairs and I slept for the next hour or so (Benadryl does that). It never swelled up that bad and now my foot just feels like I'm wearing a rubber prosthetic over it--stiff and a bit nerveless, like all the feeling is at a distance. I'm still having a bit of trouble walking since I can't put my full weight down, but I can get around. At least I don't have to carry anyone up the stairs, today. They can both do that by themselves. And even better, Elena now knows why we tell her to stay away from "angry bugs" without actually having to get stung.