A stoic lesson during a family medical crisis
My seven year-old has been in the hospital since Thursday night (wee hours of Friday, to be precise). He has parainfluenza that triggered a full respiratory crisis. We needed an ambulance because he was non-responsive. ER docs needed to sedate and intubate him to help him breathe.
The wife and I are taking shifts with him. He’s making great progress but it’s slow and steady. Every medical specialist coming through is very glad with his vitals and the direction they’re all moving. That helps reassure his mother and I who are concerned for our little boy.
It are crises like these that stoic principles are tested. Remembering that anything could be lost without our choice hurts. But that pain reinforces the gratitude we have for every moment with him (and our other children). Last night I read his favorite bedtime stories to him. He couldn’t respond like he usually does to his favorite parts, but it was a cherished moment for me to hold his hand, and read aloud to him.
I woke up early this morning to the update that he improved a few points on important vitals. Nothing big enough to warrant removing the ventilator or anything just yet, but crucially, they’re all going in the right direction.
Hell hath no fury like a toddler who didn’t nap long enough this morning.
Yesterady was The Game. And while the Buckeyes didn’t win, we had a good time out with the kids
If you don’t accidentally nick the palm of your hand with a block plane, are you even doing your job helping your son with his pine wood derby car?
Breakfast of champions. 📷
First time watching Home Alone for the big kid. 📽
We just ordered Papa John’s ‘Shaq-a-Roni (Thrillist) pizza. What’s the over/under on how long it takes my 8 and 6 year old to eat the whole thing? 🍕
The little one saw her first bunny, in our back yard of all places. But then it ran off with his food and now she’s devastated. “I love it” she’s sobbing. 🐰
It’s all fun and games until your little brother kicks out the (already very loose) baby tooth. Hashtag-Christmas-miracle.
Mom fell asleep before the little one, so I come in and she’s crawled up next to her, mom’s phone in hand, watching Frozen like it’s no big deal.
Two-year old temper tantrums are all fun and games until you fall asleep on the kitchen floor.
Fell asleep mid way through screaming and feigned tears.
It’s so hot in Phoenix right now even the stuffed animals need to hydrate.
Don’t forget your electrolytes while you’re at it.
Bookworm 📷
She is such a diva.
Note the semi-prone flop, wherein she contains the option of spreading out more if the adults don’t respond to this faux-tantrum in a manner befitting her attention.
I’m reading Walt Whitman at the boys’ first day of summer (indoor!) soccer. ☕️📚⚽️
“Mom, I wanted to see how far it would boomerang,” he said after my wife heard the ominous snap from behind the minivan.
It’s all fun and games until the 5yo scratches his older brother’s kindle screen on the backyard concrete. 🤙🏽
We caught the last day of spring training with two of my brothers who were in town.
Good times all around. ⚾️
Ladies and gentlemen, Two. 📷 credit: the wife
