Our hot water heater broke yesterday.
I recall a time not too long ago when I would have considered this a BAD day.
I would have griped about my cold shower, I would have panicked when I came home and realized that I had left Princess in a home that smelled of gas all day, Duane and I would have had a lengthy "discussion" about whether or not it was time to replace or repair, followed by another lengthy "discussion" about which unit we should purchase and the day would have ended with a "discussionless" night as everyone sulked about what a BAD day it had been.
Raising a medically complex child forever changes your perspective on life.
Broken hot water heaters become trivial maters-- along with broken washers, flat tires and bruised Momobiles resulting from trying to squeeze into a too small parking garage spot because you're anxious to get to your son who has just been transferred to the PICU-- even when they all occur in an exceptionally short period of time.
Quick cold showers translate into bonus morning time as well as delicious pumpkin pie fritattas. (Combine 4 eggs, 1/2 can pumpkin, 1/4 cup light whipping cream, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp molasses, pinch of salt and cook on the stovetop in an omelette pan.)
The word panic no longer exists in your vocabulary because you have watched your baby stop breathing in your arms and thus learned to stay calm under the most extreme conditions.
A home filled with gas becomes an opportunity for a an evening walk.
You forego wasting valuable couple time discussing an appliance purchase, as you frequently rely on your spouse to make solo life decisions for your child's health when time to consult is often impossible.
You celebrate the fact that an extra long day translates into extra family playtime (even if it is well past everyone's bedtime.)
Raising a medically complex child forever changes your perspective on life.
Cheers to a broken hot water heater sort of weekend for all.
I recall a time not too long ago when I would have considered this a BAD day.
I would have griped about my cold shower, I would have panicked when I came home and realized that I had left Princess in a home that smelled of gas all day, Duane and I would have had a lengthy "discussion" about whether or not it was time to replace or repair, followed by another lengthy "discussion" about which unit we should purchase and the day would have ended with a "discussionless" night as everyone sulked about what a BAD day it had been.
Raising a medically complex child forever changes your perspective on life.
Broken hot water heaters become trivial maters-- along with broken washers, flat tires and bruised Momobiles resulting from trying to squeeze into a too small parking garage spot because you're anxious to get to your son who has just been transferred to the PICU-- even when they all occur in an exceptionally short period of time.
Quick cold showers translate into bonus morning time as well as delicious pumpkin pie fritattas. (Combine 4 eggs, 1/2 can pumpkin, 1/4 cup light whipping cream, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp molasses, pinch of salt and cook on the stovetop in an omelette pan.)
The word panic no longer exists in your vocabulary because you have watched your baby stop breathing in your arms and thus learned to stay calm under the most extreme conditions.
A home filled with gas becomes an opportunity for a an evening walk.
 |
| Daddy packs an emergency survival murse and Carlos takes cover under Princess' blanket. |
You celebrate the fact that an extra long day translates into extra family playtime (even if it is well past everyone's bedtime.)
Raising a medically complex child forever changes your perspective on life.
Cheers to a broken hot water heater sort of weekend for all.
Perspective really does help...... always.
ReplyDeleteMs. Scarlett is gorgeous as always and must be such a joy in your lives! Her pictures are always a joy in ours.
Prayers continue .....
What an amazing post. Thank you for reminding us that some of our stresses really are not as big as we make them out to be. We all know this...but reminders like this help.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful reminder. Perspective is huge.
ReplyDeleteAs always Bernadette, you have a great way of putting everything into perspective. Whether you know it or not, you've taught me a lot :) And the recipe sounds de-lish!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful words. What strength you habe, Bernadette. Thanks for the reminder of what is truly important in life
ReplyDeletePerspective really is everything and I think yours is amazing. Thinking of you.
ReplyDelete:-) all very true words. Hope you're all ok x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Bernadette. But I wish that through some sort amazing miracle, a broken hot water heater becomes again the biggest problem you have to face. xo
ReplyDeleteNothing like surrogacy in India and a medically complex child to make you not sweat the small stuff!! As I believe you have said before..surrogacy in India teaches you alot...we all must learn patience and not to dwell on things that are beyond our control...and to be thankful for what we do have....and not focus on what we do not have....well spoken B...it's just a water heater..you know?
ReplyDeleteYou are simply brilliant Bernadette! Your posts are always a delight to read...your positivity never ceases to amaze! Scarlett looks very settled in and I hope Hayden is responding to treatment. take care of you two
ReplyDeleteHiya B, having children focusses one's perspective but being the mum of a medically complex child really must put things in perspective. You continue to amaze me. Princess looks so cute and daddy looking cool. Love to MC.
ReplyDeleteA XX
Sigh.
ReplyDeleteAs always, a wonderful post.
Hello from ICLW! Your children are gorgeous. I'll have to read back a little to hear more of your story. You are clearly a VERY strong woman!
ReplyDeleteComing from ICLW, and I have to admit I started reading your story from the very beginning of your blog a few days ago.
ReplyDeleteI want to say congratulations on mom-hood and congrats on your two beautiful children!
Hi from ICLW. Wow sounds like you have had your days full and that is an understatement.
ReplyDeleteHi from ICLW! I completely agree; perspective is highly important. And I think I'll have to try that pumpkin pie frittata. :)
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm visiting from ICLW. I must tell you that I admire your optimism, it's very refreshing! This was a great reminder for me to stop fretting about the little things and step back and look at the big picture. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi from iclw! You really have a lots of patience, i think you need it so much with kids.
ReplyDelete