When you become a parent, your first concern becomes your children’s health. Yes, food, shelter, and clothes—but above all, health.
I never thought I’d feel so many emotions seeing you sick. I’m lucky—I had two years of respite. Two years without a sick baby is no small thing. But when you decided to get sick, I wasn’t ready for it. Okay, I only had to deal with my first case of hand, foot, and mouth disease… in the whole family!
When I saw the number on the thermometer, I knew you weren’t well—that goes without saying. Seeing you cry in pain, not understanding where it hurt, broke my heart with every passing second. When I saw the sores at the back of your mouth, I thought I was going to die right then and there. Even when they told me there was nothing to be done, that we just had to wait for it to pass, I wanted to cry just as much as I wanted to take your pain away. In the end, I pulled myself together and did everything I could to make you feel better. Seeing you running and laughing again is the best remedy of my week. No more boo-boos, my baby!
I know I’ll have other little aches and pains to deal with, to heal or to soothe, but I don’t think I’ll be any more prepared next time. Why? Not because I forget quickly or because I’m in denial—no. It’s more because it’s going to break my heart to see you sick. Because I find it hard to see you so small and sick. Because I want to see you smile, play, and learn—not suffer.
I’m grateful to life that I can say I have healthy babies, without serious or recurring illnesses. My thoughts go out especially to all parents of sick children. You are undoubtedly the bravest, heartbroken warriors I know. I’m sending you a dose of love and infinite courage. I don’t fully understand all the pain you must be going through, but I’m sending you my support through everything you’re facing.
Cheers, everyone.