Today I spent my day with a sick kid. I carried her around the kitchen while I made coffee. I carried her into the grocery store so that I didn't have to worry about her spreading germs in a cart. I carried her down stairs to put her in front of a movie so I could treat a few patients. I carried her back upstairs when she became inconsolable with sinus and ear pain to force beg coerce her into taking a half dose of ibuprofen. And, when her misery took over and she required constant attention, I put her on my back and I carried her while I treated a new (and thankfully very gracious and understanding) patient.
Eventually I carried her up to the kitchen and carried her around while I made dinner, trading off with her daddy who was getting ready for a night out with a friend. I carried her upstairs where she had a shower, cried over pajamas and finally crawled into bed. I sat there in the dark, for well over 90 minutes, holding her hand, listening to her grunt and snort, trying to fall asleep. I was tired, hungry and desperately wanting her to fall asleep so I could clean the kitchen, fold the laundry and eventually have some time to myself. I was annoyed, after spending so much of my day searching for compassion for this tired, sick and whiny person, I just wanted it to be over. I knew since she'd had another fever today I'd have to keep her home from school tomorrow and would have to do it all over again.
Finally, her breathing grew even and she relaxed her vice like grip on my hand and I felt her whole body melt into the bed. I extricated myself from the bed and reluctantly began my chores. I could hear her ragged snotty breathing on the monitor, punctuated by occasional moans and groans, and my annoyance vanished, as my compassion for this perfect person was renewed. I finished the dishes, started a load of laundry and folded what was in the basket, and realized that there was another person I should have a little compassion for: me.
I spent my day carrying her, but in the end, it was she who carried me.
I don't watch commercial television, mainly because I'm a sucker, and an overly emotional sap.
I saw this commercial earlier today and choked up. And it is really ironic that you posted it here. I think the universe is trying to tell me something!
They really do carry us when we least expect it and when we most need it.
Posted by: faedemere | February 16, 2010 at 09:26 PM