December 20, 2005 4:12 PM
Just a detour on the way to Christmas
My day began at 4 a.m. when I woke up with the realization that I just couldn't go on with all the runny noses, eyes, and swollen sinuses in my house - including my own.
At 5, I called the school bus people to tell them my kids would not be going to school. We live way out on a country road and they come out here just for our kids, so I wanted to save them the trouble.
At 6:30 we got up for devotions, my daughters wrapped in sleeping bags because the house is never warm enough for them. Devotions have been going surprisingly well - I'm amazed and grateful that though the Downzers don't understand all that's being read, they love starting the day together as a family.
Then, with the help of the older kids, Tripp and I bundled up the four youngest and Sophia to drive them to Urgent Care. When a group of us are sick, I can't get a string of appointments to accommodate everyone with our regular pediatrician - the wonderful Dr. Sandra Groeber - so we go to Urgent Care, which takes care of people as they come in.
Today we arrived at 8:05 and I signed in six names, which only momentarily disrupted the force in the reception area. I had brought Zach to help me, as Jesse and Daniel can be a little unpredictable - particularly when sick. Half an hour later, we were called - six of us were weighed, then split because of space limitations - three in one room, three in another.
By the time we came out at 10:00, the waiting room was filled to the brim. I hate clogging the system, but what are you gonna do? It really would make more sense if doctors did house calls in situations like these. Looks like I’m not the only one thinking along those lines – a google of doctor house calls reveals some interesting developments in this area.
Anyway, the para-medical person who checked us out – I’m not sure what they call this new level which is above a nurse and below a doctor and can prescribe medicine – was very interesting (of course, when I launch into interview mode I can always find something interesting about anyone :) A first generation American whose father took her back to the Philippines when she was a little girl to show her how he had grown up – in a shack with dirt floors, no running water, etc. It made a big impression on her.
How often I have wished my kids could see up close and personal how it is for people all over the world – and even in this country – who are never in danger of getting fat because they simply don’t have enough to eat. When I was growing up there were times before my mom’s paycheck when all we had was a little oatmeal for dinner. I’m a better person today because of that. But I’ve found it practically impossible – even though my kids watch very little TV and have my constant reminders of how outlandish our lifestyle is compared to most of the world – to communicate a spirit of gratitude commensurate with all that we are blessed with.
Even getting medical treatment so quickly and efficiently (only 45 minutes for all six prescriptions at Leesburg Giant). Thank God for our health insurance, which kept the copays for the doctor and meds to just $108.
Oh, yes, the meds – the final outcome: six Curtis sickies, five minor children, four hours later, 3 sinusitis, 2 ear infections, and some pharyngitis in a pear tree.
Then there was my car's dead battery when I finished at Giant, promptly dispatched with by a store employee whose name I didn’t get – but will.
The best news: It’s only December 20. We will all be well at Christmas.
The worst news: The forecast, which had been calling for snow, is now calling for rain. :(
Posted in Mothering | Permalink
Comments
I have nothing to complain about! Thank you for handling such an annoying day with aplomb and thankfulness. I resolve to do the same : )
Posted by: floorplan | December 20, 2005 4:45 PM
Barbara - I had the same thought about not being able to deal with Sophie's cold and runny nose anymore. We have an appointment with the doctor in the morning. My husband has taken the day off, as it is our anniversary tomorrow, and our family will begin our day in the doctor's office. I hope she will be well by Christmas. Our entire extended family is going on a cruise to celebrate my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. I definitely don't want a sick baby on a ship. :)
Posted by: Carrie | December 20, 2005 7:57 PM
Physician Assistant.
Posted by: Amy K. | December 20, 2005 10:02 PM
Deb - Well, you've got a lot to handle traveling over the holidays! Have a happy journey!
Carrie - good thinking - and great picture of parenting. Forget counting on anything - like a serene anniversary - anymore ;)
Amy - thanks - that was simple. I think they are a good idea and like all the ones I've met.
Posted by: barbaracurtis | December 20, 2005 10:08 PM
