Dear Medical Professional,
You will ask about his medical history,
And I will repeat the story I have told 100 times or more,
The details fine tuned to the essentials I know you need:
He was born full term,
He has a 7 year old brother who is fit and well,
He is allergic to penicillin.
You will ask me what happened,
And I will answer:
He is 6 years old.
He wasn't breathing for 7 minutes.
I gave him mouth to mouth.
I will hand over a careful typed piece of A4 paper.
It will tell you his hospital number,
The things he is allergic to,
A list of medications and doses.
You will take it and smile.
You'll tell me I make your job easier.
I will stand calm,
And in control. You see my demeanour,
my hospital bags packed and ready,
And you say,
You've done this before.
I'll nod and say many times.
But remember this; That 6 year old is my baby.
That boy with the oxygen,
And the wires,
And the tubes,
Is my son.
I watched him turn blue. The first time,
The fifth time,
The hundred and fifty fifth time...
It was still …
You will ask about his medical history,
And I will repeat the story I have told 100 times or more,
The details fine tuned to the essentials I know you need:
He was born full term,
He has a 7 year old brother who is fit and well,
He is allergic to penicillin.
You will ask me what happened,
And I will answer:
He is 6 years old.
He wasn't breathing for 7 minutes.
I gave him mouth to mouth.
I will hand over a careful typed piece of A4 paper.
It will tell you his hospital number,
The things he is allergic to,
A list of medications and doses.
You will take it and smile.
You'll tell me I make your job easier.
I will stand calm,
And in control. You see my demeanour,
my hospital bags packed and ready,
And you say,
You've done this before.
I'll nod and say many times.
But remember this; That 6 year old is my baby.
That boy with the oxygen,
And the wires,
And the tubes,
Is my son.
I watched him turn blue. The first time,
The fifth time,
The hundred and fifty fifth time...
It was still …
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ohhh my goodness Em what a wonderful blog! I almost fell into the school gate nightmare this year until I stood back, slapped myself and realised that F was in school... HE WAS IN SCHOOL! He had friends, why was I worried, what was I thinking? For a minute I lost the wonderful perspective I am blessed to have through having him. Yesterday he put on a sock... I cried!!! He then put on a shoe, my new shiney super camera was out of reach to mark it, but he did it!!! His class do this without thinking. These parents shun their kids out the door morning after morning not seeing what their kids can do only frustrated they are on the first level reading book.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have been there, sat by you cheering as loud as you did, or holding the camera so you were in the frame! WELL DONE SUPER H... You are awesome :)
Thanks Katie. You're right, is so easy to get swept along in it all and worry about reading books and such like. I hope I will remember this when cheeky starts school!
ReplyDeleteWell done Finn! When you think how far he has come! What a trooper. Camera or not, I am sure the moment is etched in your memory. How many other parents can remember the first time their little one put on their own shoes and socks?
probably never... and that is sad I know it was was 9th June 2012, a week before his 5th birthday party! and do you know what I should be filling his reading book in and he has not done it... I did feel guilty, but this time last year he could not walk for 20 seconds let alone read his name so they can wait!!!! Blogs like this are worth their weight in gold just to make you actually LOOK not see... but look! :)
ReplyDeleteHis determination really shines through this post, you must so proud and excited about what his next achievement will be x
ReplyDeleteBrilliant writing, all so true. Little achievements really are the best ones. Nothing is taken for granted and we get to enjoy it all, which is fab :)
ReplyDeleteA lovely post,I think you have hit the nail on the head. Having a child with different needs is challenging to say the least but the rewards are great. Helping to care for Jess has opened my eyes to so many things a rewarding and humbling experience and I think I am a better person for it.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are so thrilled for every milestone that your son makes.I know exactly how you feel.
ReplyDeleteI must say that I was saddened to learn about the marking system at your school... how awful having to find three points on what the child could improve on, although I realise it was not your choice to do this. :(
This is why I so love the posts that pop up on the Define 'Normal' blog hop, because you have put so beautifully what so many people feel. I have billions of photos of tiny changes, because in our family they are gigantic and it helps to look back and see how far we've come, when it feels like nothing changes x
ReplyDeleteBlue sky- yes really proud and excited. I think the fact that he is determined means that he will achieve more!
ReplyDeleteSteph, exactly, NOTHING is taken or granted. I hink it almost puts us in a unique position to be happier because we appreciate so much more.
Rewarding and humbling sums it up nanny Anne. And yes, I agree, it makes us better people.
Bright side- I know, it is horrible. I hate to think of my eldest being subjected to such harsh marking criteria. I'd rather he was happy and had friends than qcheived top levels in his SATs
So true Renata. The blog has also helped me document changes. When it feels like you are stuck in a rut, it helps to look back and see just how far you/ they have come.
Lovely post. So true - we do feel ridiculously thrilled about the smallest successes that would mean nothing to anot
ReplyDeleteher parent!
Thanks Jane x
ReplyDelete