But there are times when they are distressed, sick, or hurting, that there is only one person for the job. And that's when I do my most thankless, exhausting and satisfying work.
Job Skill: Know Your Customer
I awoke several weeks ago to my youngest, Dane, climbing in between my husband and I, carrying the cat with him. He has a fear of tornadoes, and a storm had his mind racing.
"Mom, Hannah and I have to sleep with you so we feel safe."
"Climb in sweets." We review conditions necessary for a tornado and the statistically low fatality rates until he is satisfied that no danger exists and drops off to sleep.
Job Skill: Tireless Effort
A short time later my oldest, Jude, whispers to me, "Mom, I need you. I can't breathe."
I always hate those words. I move to his room so we can do the ritual that is breathing treatments for asthmatics. My need to constantly put my ear to his chest kept me up the rest of the night.
The next day he felt well enough to go to school, but later ended up at the clinic. While my husband sat through testing into the evening, it was my job to complete chores at home, prepare myself for an overnight at the hospital, and try to rest. Yeah, that resting part...
Job Skill: Be Resourceful
Sarahy, the teaching assistant we are hosting from Honduras, had come home early from school that day. She sought me out after sleeping most of the evening, face swollen and feverish. The language barrier made deciphering the problem difficult, but I understood it was a dental issue. Combing through her documents, we learned that she had medical, but not dental coverage during her visit. So well into the night I left voicemails and sent emails, searching for a reasonable and expeditious option.
With the much-appreciated help of my cousin Leona and a woman supporting the teaching program, we were able to get her into the University of Minnesota dental school. I got regular updates on the exams, costs and care. She is a capable, intelligent adult, but was in need of help to find resources.
That mom title gets a little elastic at times.
Job Skill: Perform Under Pressure
Two weeks ago, my husband stayed in isolation for days with a cold. My youngest was helping with dinner. He opened a can. I could hear the screams then saw the blood. A large flap of his thumb hung down. I called out to orders to Leona, Jude and Sarahy for gauze, clothes for Dane, the car, my purse. I pinched his thumb tightly while rifling through his files to confirm immunizations. I carried him to the car and then into the ER.
Job Security
Several hours later, we arrived home. I crawled up next to my husband to assure him everything was fine. "I'm sorry, what? Did you go somewhere?" I told him I will never have the bliss that is ignorance around this place. Good thing I'm the boss.
I awoke several weeks ago to my youngest, Dane, climbing in between my husband and I, carrying the cat with him. He has a fear of tornadoes, and a storm had his mind racing.
"Mom, Hannah and I have to sleep with you so we feel safe."
"Climb in sweets." We review conditions necessary for a tornado and the statistically low fatality rates until he is satisfied that no danger exists and drops off to sleep.
Job Skill: Tireless Effort
A short time later my oldest, Jude, whispers to me, "Mom, I need you. I can't breathe."
I always hate those words. I move to his room so we can do the ritual that is breathing treatments for asthmatics. My need to constantly put my ear to his chest kept me up the rest of the night.
The next day he felt well enough to go to school, but later ended up at the clinic. While my husband sat through testing into the evening, it was my job to complete chores at home, prepare myself for an overnight at the hospital, and try to rest. Yeah, that resting part...
Job Skill: Be Resourceful
Sarahy, the teaching assistant we are hosting from Honduras, had come home early from school that day. She sought me out after sleeping most of the evening, face swollen and feverish. The language barrier made deciphering the problem difficult, but I understood it was a dental issue. Combing through her documents, we learned that she had medical, but not dental coverage during her visit. So well into the night I left voicemails and sent emails, searching for a reasonable and expeditious option.
With the much-appreciated help of my cousin Leona and a woman supporting the teaching program, we were able to get her into the University of Minnesota dental school. I got regular updates on the exams, costs and care. She is a capable, intelligent adult, but was in need of help to find resources.
That mom title gets a little elastic at times.
Job Skill: Perform Under Pressure
Two weeks ago, my husband stayed in isolation for days with a cold. My youngest was helping with dinner. He opened a can. I could hear the screams then saw the blood. A large flap of his thumb hung down. I called out to orders to Leona, Jude and Sarahy for gauze, clothes for Dane, the car, my purse. I pinched his thumb tightly while rifling through his files to confirm immunizations. I carried him to the car and then into the ER.
Job Security
Several hours later, we arrived home. I crawled up next to my husband to assure him everything was fine. "I'm sorry, what? Did you go somewhere?" I told him I will never have the bliss that is ignorance around this place. Good thing I'm the boss.
