I bet they have dodgeball and last place and teachers that are allowed to fail students when [gasp] they don't do their work.
India is a tough country. A true Darwinistic culture in every sense of the word (if that's even a word).
While there this summer, I often commented that I longed for a NICU scrapbooking club like my fellow American blogger whose triplets were born premature just a few weeks prior to our twins. In other words, I longed for the "softness" of America.
Since arriving home, I've yet to locate a scrapbooking club, but I have been inundated with other proverbial shoulders to cry on as a result of my new position as Mommy of a Sick Child. Palliative care teams, counselors, psychologists, clinical customer care reps, child life specialists, roaming mariachi clowns-- you name it and America's got it.
I am thankful for these people. I am thankful that America acknowledges the incredible stress and anxiety that results from parenting a medically complex child like MC. And I am thankful that when I need this type of support, it is always available to me.
But I am even more thankful that I began this journey in India.
I am thankful that I endured travel of 3-4 hours each day to sit in a windowless room in 115 degree heat. I am thankful that I learned to cope with not being able to hold MC for a majority of his first 5 months of life. I am thankful that I figured out a strategy to remain calm when my child turned blue in my arms and the nurses, who did not speak English, were unable to tell me what was going on. I am thankful that I devised a method for putting on my bravest Skype face for friends and family on even the absolute worst of days.
I am thankful that India made me a stronger mom.
Because some days, as lovely as all those "Soft Care Specialists" are, some days, it is necessary that I exist solely on this strength.
Some days... like today.
I got a call at 6:45 a.m. this morning that MC was being moved back to the PICU for respiratory distress.
India is a tough country. A true Darwinistic culture in every sense of the word (if that's even a word).
While there this summer, I often commented that I longed for a NICU scrapbooking club like my fellow American blogger whose triplets were born premature just a few weeks prior to our twins. In other words, I longed for the "softness" of America.
Since arriving home, I've yet to locate a scrapbooking club, but I have been inundated with other proverbial shoulders to cry on as a result of my new position as Mommy of a Sick Child. Palliative care teams, counselors, psychologists, clinical customer care reps, child life specialists, roaming mariachi clowns-- you name it and America's got it.
I am thankful for these people. I am thankful that America acknowledges the incredible stress and anxiety that results from parenting a medically complex child like MC. And I am thankful that when I need this type of support, it is always available to me.
But I am even more thankful that I began this journey in India.
I am thankful that I endured travel of 3-4 hours each day to sit in a windowless room in 115 degree heat. I am thankful that I learned to cope with not being able to hold MC for a majority of his first 5 months of life. I am thankful that I figured out a strategy to remain calm when my child turned blue in my arms and the nurses, who did not speak English, were unable to tell me what was going on. I am thankful that I devised a method for putting on my bravest Skype face for friends and family on even the absolute worst of days.
I am thankful that India made me a stronger mom.
Because some days, as lovely as all those "Soft Care Specialists" are, some days, it is necessary that I exist solely on this strength.
Some days... like today.
I got a call at 6:45 a.m. this morning that MC was being moved back to the PICU for respiratory distress.
 |
| Considering the possibility that this is simply a reaction to Daddy's practicing of his Home Nursing skills last night following a discussion about bringing MC home. (Note the look of skepticism on the patient's face.) |
Many, many hugs, much strength, and lots of good vibes heading your way.
ReplyDeleteCaring for a sick child tests every ounce of strength, courage, determination and love that you have. Hand in hand with the 'softness' of America probably makes it just about bearable. A country like India teaches us in the Western world just how lucky we are for this softness.
ReplyDeleteLove to you all especially MC, hope he is out of PICU very soon.
You are such an amazing woman B. I'm sorry for being so repetitive but every post leaves me in awe at how amazing you are. xo
ReplyDeleteHope Hayden is our really soon. I can see why you're happy for your strength, I'm happy for your strength too. India is a wonderful place, they don't moan or fuss there, they just make the most of it. That's what you're doing, and doing it so well. Love and strength to you all. SR x
ReplyDeleteHi Bernadette and Duane, You are a strong woman . A mum who would do anything for her little ones. Hayden also continues to have this strength....he is learning it from his Mum and Dad. Hope he is out of there soon. Thinking of you
ReplyDeleteBless you Bernadette, sorry to hear Hayden in respiratory distress, poor little man! India certainly does toughen one up, especially with what you and Hayden have been through. You are always in our prayers xx
ReplyDeleteSending you all loads of strength. love and light. Hoping that MC is out of PICU soon and in your arms.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as always.
ReplyDeleteTake care and big ((hugs))SJ & B xx
I truly wish Hayden gets better and you are a very strong mom. all my thoughts and prayers
ReplyDeleteMichael
Hate that you and D get to be so strong. Hope you always know the depths of strength in both of you, because we all tend to underestimate ourselves.
ReplyDeleteSending loves to all 4, 5 counting dog, of you. Know you will be keeping on keeping on.
Prayers always every day.....
You are so lucky to be in this time and place with the internet and all your wonderful support system. I read your blog in awe, as I am from a time when my husband and I were "thrown into the wilderness" when our newborn son was diagnosed with very difficult genetic issues. You and Duane do indeed show amazing strength and I think you are unique. I am so pulling for you and your family. God bless.
ReplyDeleteSo scary! I never quite understood how you managed to get through 5 months in India without completely going to pieces. I guess when you're in a place where people expect you to just be strong and bear it, that's what you do. I hope Hayden is doing better soon, though.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you ((HUGS))
ReplyDelete