Monday, April 15, 2013

so thankful. and it's not even november.

This morning my child, who has struggled with sensory issues, including exaggerated pain responses, for almost two years now not only asked me to suck out his stuffy nose with the bulb syringe, but actually lay there bravely and happily while I did it.  Then he wanted to see all the snot I sucked out.  This is very nearly a miracle, folks.

I am thankful for a good start to our day.

Then I packed up 4/5 of my children for a trip downtown to our children's hospital so Shu could get measured for new, bigger orthotics for his feet.  It could not have gone more smoothly--good music in the van, kids gazing curiously out the window at the river, a train, the tall downtown buildings, fabulous behavior and attitudes while we waited, conversation and no tears or anxiety from a certain aforementioned boy.  (September's visit to get his first pair included major tears and anxiety.)

I am thankful for God's grace and strength equipping me for every task, for growing me up gradually into this calling of motherhood with all its challenges and joys.  That I could wrangle four young kids through a hospital, pushing a giant double stroller, navigating a way-too-small (for us) office, nursing the baby in a bathroom along the way, and get everyone home safe, sound, and smiling?  Pretty much a miracle.  I feel like a rock star today.

While waiting to get feet measured, two different children came into the office, presumably to get some type of braces, but it was obvious that these little ones had significant medical issues, the need for orthotics being the absolute least of their concerns.

I am overwhelmed, humbled, and deeply thankful that I sat there today with four physically healthy children, needing only ankle braces.  Not oxygen.  Not a feeding tube or life-long care.  Not chemotherapy.  Just orthotics.

Nothing like a visit to the children's hospital to give you a giant dose of perspective.

5 comments:

Rita @ Open Window said...

WOW. I am in awe. I can barely get my two from the house door to the car door without someone scraping a knee, stopping to admire a bug, the realization we forgot something, and I could go on and on and on. You are a rock star! They should keep trophies on hand to present to mothers who handle everything so well. And yay for Shu and all the progress he is making in so many ways.

Stephanie said...

You ARE most definitely a rock star, and I so appreciate your perspective on things!

Krissy said...

ive often said to myself and even outloud "you can always find someone worse than you at the hospital"... it gives a great perspective.

even parents who have to deal with o2, feeding tubes and trachs will say "im so glad my son can walk".

even in my "year of hell" that first year - where we had the feeding tube, oxygen, and ng-tube, i was so thankful for NOT having so many other things.

you did good momma - you did real good. i rarely had to deal with "noodle nose" AND other two by myself... in fact, we usually only scheduled appointments on days kevin was home or i had a guaranteed sitter. so kudos for bringing them all along and nursing in the bathroom (fyi, they really do have lactation rooms at that hospital so you dont have to hide in a bathroom... im sure you can even find a place with a tv for the other 3 or 4...)

love ya friend - love ya very much!

Janet said...

You have never quit, and that makes you a rock star EVERY day. Love you!

everythingismeowsome said...

Children's Hospital is THE place to get perspective, isn't it??
Rejoicing with you in your victories!