Serve Me Up Some Perspective

I'm now a couple of weeks removed from Anna's croup ordeal and I've found some perspective in reflection. Let's just say that my attitudes concerning my current domesticity haven't been the most positive the last couple of months. This major kick in the rear has helped me realize a few things:

First, I have a new found respect for single parents. The few hours I was without a spouse were the hardest of the whole ordeal. When Jeff arrived from Denver the emotional weight and worry were immediately lightened. He stayed with Anna at night, sleeping on the awful hospital chair-bed, allowing me to be with Isaac at night. I'm so glad I'm not alone in this whole parenting thing. Hats off to all you single parents who bear the weight on your own.

Second, I'm grateful I stay home with my kids. I don't know that I could confidently say this before last week. It probably would have been more like, I'm glad I can stay home with my kids because I know it's the right thing to do. It was so difficult to be away from Isaac during the day. He couldn't stay with me because Anna was so contagious. My dear mother-in-law and mother bravely forced him to bottle feed so I wouldn't have to drive back and forth every couple of hours. I missed him terribly. I felt like I was short changing both kids. I couldn't give Anna my full attention because I knew Isaac needed to eat, and when I was feeding him I wished I could be at Anna's bedside. Again, so grateful for Jeff.

Finally, tantrums and messes aren't so bad when compared to some alternatives. I missed Anna's spunky, albeit defiant, personality. She couldn't speak and barely had the energy to even communicate at all. Talk about heartbreaking. I think this is the lesson I need remember most. I need to appreciate my two-almost-three year old completely. The messes, tantrums, giggles, crying (who could have guessed I'd miss a cry!). All of it.

It's always easier to be grateful in hindsight of trials and this is no different. Thank goodness it was a relatively quick and dirty experience. I'm glad to be on the other side of this one.

My cup runneth over with appreciation for all our family and friends who prayed and fasted for our family. Thank you, thank you for your concern. Anna is pretty much back to herself. She's finished with all her medications and no longer needs her "cool mist" (nebulizer). Her voice is still a little scratchy, especially when she gets excited or upset. In a couple of weeks we will meet with a Ears, Nose, and Throat Doctor to get Anna's throat sized. This will determine whether or not there was a particular reason Anna's croup was so severe, such as throat polyps or a small wind pipe. Here's hoping it was just a flukey thing.


Pictures: 1) Anna being admitted a second time. 2) Going to the shower room to bathe. 3) Right before the first discharge 4) Right before the second discharge. The last two days Anna had sgebity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.