This might be the last time (see also: offending object in ear)
/At the risk of being suspected of Munchausen by Proxy syndrome, I would like to share the following as I trust I am not alone. This past week I had the double sads. One, Little Man had a 104 degree temperature. Poor little lambchop. My sadness doubled down when I realized this might be the last time I take care of a child who can legitimately curl up into my lap when sick.
Petite, short-waisted mother. Children with large melon heads and lanky limbs. There's a reason why there's a role reversal in Love You Forever
Little Man was just the right size for snuggling as we monitored his fever. Just a lovely fit for carrying into the urgent care when he said his legs were in too much pain. Perfect ergonomics for holding while he slept in the waiting room.
The shame in my game was discovered upon the doctor examining Little Man, "What's this green stuff in his ear?"
I wished I had a remote clue. I mean, the possibilities were endless. Sweater fuzz? Shards of a tennis ball? Mutagent ooze?
After several rounds of ear irrigation (earrigation?) which convinced me of the wonders of both plumbing and medical school, the errant pea-sized serving of neon green play-dough was properly extracted from the ear canal and the origins of his ear infection and possibly the accompanying wicked case of strep throat were discovered.
Totes love when we get our co-pay's worth!! With a freezer pop to boot!
The inevitable cocktail of pink medicine and probiotic gummies was acquired from the latenight Walgreen's and our boy was returned to golden Tylenol-induced slumbers.
He was back on his bike by noon the next day and even as I mourned the role of wee person caregiver that is starting to pedal away from me like a ninja turtle on a two-wheeler, I gave thanks that this is an anomaly. There are millions of parents around the world who are in constant caregiver mode to sick children or sick parents, whose most precious resources of energy and clarity of mind are constantly depleted ("Thanks, Obama" not necessary).
**Awkward bust-a-move to charitable donation talk**
A couple funds that are close to my heart that I know do a great job of supporting parents as they fight disease or care for children with compromised immune systems, etc. etc. are the following:
JDRF Ronald McDonald House St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Kinder Key for Nationwide Childrens Hospitals And you? What are your favorite organizations to support?