Yucky Medicine

       "Pink!" she cried.  "Pink, Mama!" Faith was telling me that she wanted to take the pink medicine (bubble gum flavored tylenol) instead of this yucky clear medicine (an intense antibiotic).   As a Mama, I felt two strong emotions at the same time- sheer determination mixed with empathy and weakness.  I KNOW Faith needs to take her yucky antibiotics to fight off any infection.  I was sad that it tasted so bad and I was forcing her to swallow it.  It is hard to swallow bitter medicine- I have a hard time too.  Two year olds just don't have the mental capacity to say "the temporary bitterness I taste is worth not getting an infection".  So, I hold her down, squirt the medicine in, and praise her when she swallows it. It is all I know to do.  Oh, and I give her three jelly beans to take the taste out of her mouth.

     My mom came in late last night- I called her crying yesterday as we left the Orthopaedic office to head to the ER.  I didn't know what they were going to do, but I knew it would be hours long.  Because I have two children, my heart is torn.  I know I need to be with Faith, but I felt bad for leaving Timmy with multiple people.  I am sure sure sure that he didn't mind and that he probably thought it was so fun.  Still, I would rather keep consistency in his life- so I called my mom.  No shame in needing your mommy at 29 years of age, right?   She has this calming presence and I know everything will be okay when she is around.

      ...FOR EXAMPLE... I noticed a bit of blood on Faith's finger around mid-morning.  My heart stopped and I was about to call the doctor to see if we needed to come back.  I was whispering "please no, please no, please no" all the while I was racking my brain to remember where I put my phone.  My mom looked at it and said simply "It looks like dark blood- it isn't pouring out like it was... she probably bumped it.  Let's just wait and see if it gets worse."  The whole concept of "wait and see" didn't register as an option.  I was ready to pack up and go.  Good thing Mom was here.  Turned out it was a good thing to wait.  Nothing has changed on her bandage, so Mom was wise. 

    Will you pray specifically that Faith will rest today?  Pray that she doesn't bump her hand.  Pray that she stays calm.  Pray that she gets a little used to taking the yucky medicine.  Pray that it doesn't upset her tummy too much.  Thank you!! 

   THANK YOU FOR ALL THE CALLS, TEXTS, AND HELP!  I am overwhelmed right now, but will respond when I can!