The Working Mother Experience

I think life with kids, at least the way I tilt the scales of my life, often feels like running an obstacle course.  There is a sense of feeling alive and having a purpose.   My life has meaning.

There are a lot of moving parts to being a parent.  We are responsible for everything from the clothes on their backs to (optionally) saving for their college tuition.  The responsibilities of now and tomorrow can sometimes be overwhelming.  Most days I feel I have it together.  This past Thursday was NOT one of those days.  Henceforth this day will be called, NOT Thursday.

Thursday started with a (way too early) trip to the gym.  Often my boy is still sleeping when I go to work with my personal trainer.  NOT Thursday.  The tot was awake and teary.  He was definitely out of sorts, but nothing specific seemed to be wrong.  By the time I left for work he had a slight temperature, but nothing startling.  Daddy was home for the morning so I went to work knowing he was in good hands.  By the time I came home from work my child still had a temp and was refusing to eat or drink anything.  However, he kept saying nothing was wrong.  He had no pain.  I saw that he kept swallowing and swallowing, but he seemed resolute in his complacency that nothing was bothering him. I took his temperature – 101.  I decided a call to the pediatrician was in order.   Typically an evening call to the on-call pediatrician is a routine affair.  NOT Thursday.  In a fluke, Murphy’s Law, sort of way the after hours number was stuck in a never-ending loop sending you back to the main menu.  Meanwhile, the boy’s temperature rose to 102 Degrees.

I try the local ReadyMed number I have kept on the refrigerator for just such an emergency.  Expecting them to gladly take my cash, I pat myself on the back for being prepared, and call them to find out what the procedure is for being seen.  I forgot, this was NOT Thursday.  They told me I needed a referral from my pediatrician (that I can’t reach). I explain to the receptionist that I can’t reach the pediatrician and they say, “No Problem”, and transfer me to someone who can help.  I explain the situation to the next Nurse Ratchet she sighs and HANGS UP ON ME!  NOT Thursday! The temperature on the thermometer that I keep torturing my child with rises to 102.5.  Now my pediatrician prefers to see us before the fever reducer medications are given, but since I can’t reach the office, I give my boy Motrin.  I try to reach my sister who is a critical care nurse.  She almost always answers her phone, NOT Thursday.  I call another sister who has 5 children, does she answer? NOT Thursday! The temperature climes to 103.5!!

My son wants me to hug him and walk around carrying him.  I am trying to IM with my husband (he is at work) and decide if I should take him to the hospital. Yes, I know about the tepid baths and playing with water in the sink.  I was nervous about the rising temperature, but also afraid to take him to the hospital and expose him to everything there, when his immune system was clearly compromised.

I did what anyone would do in my situation.  I called my MOTHER!  She told me not to worry.  Normally, I would listen, but this was NOT Thursday. Zigging when I should have been Zagging was the name of the game.

I realized it had been hours since I came home from work.  I had not changed my clothes, eaten a single bite of food or had one sip of water.  Hmmm.  I stood over the island in my kitchen and tried to catch my breath and relax.  I tell myself, “I am smart, I will figure this out.”  I was reflecting on how lucky I was this was happening on a Thursday night.  My Mother-in-Law who adores my son was there to keep him comforted while I tried to come up with a strategy (which mostly involved waiting for SOMEONE returning my phone call!!).  BTW, I never argue with my MIL, but this was NOT Thursday.  Suddenly, I am having a very unpleasant conversation with her. UGH!  After my MIL leaves, I discover my son has a rash.  I assume it is a heat rash given his temp, but this is NOT Thursday!

Normally, I don’t see my husband again in the same day after he goes to work.  I am usually asleep long before he comes home.  NOT Thursday. My son could not sleep, so neither could I.  I tried to provide as much comfort as I could.  The temperature came down with medication, but my son was still so uncomfortable.  Even while sobbing, my normally very articulate son, could not tell me what was wrong.  I hated NOT Thursday!  Friday, he saw the doctor at 11am.  Strep Throat.  Guess who else has Strep Throat now?  That is right, Mommy!

It has been three days of antibiotics and rest for both of us.  Life is much better now!  We are both feeling better and smiles and laughter have returned to the house.  For me, once I know the enemy (Strep Throat) I can deal.  My son is not suffering from some incurable fungus or Lime disease, it is common, painful but curable, STREP.  I am so glad it is no longer NOT Thursday!

P.S.  Thanks to all my friends who emailed me tips and tricks.  Yes, we have tossed the toothbrushes and the fruit popsicles are a hit!