One of those days

This is an all too familiar sight with my kids, since they've been in the hospital 14 times (12 of those were for asthma.) Now that my kids are older, things are better.

But for a while, every time they would start to cough or their nose would run, I would panic. For us, a simple cold can go easily turn into pneumonia (thanks to asthma.) That would mean another hospitalization. And we spent WAY too much time at our Pediatrics Ward in the hospital. When you start to know all the nurses and respiratory therapists by name, you know you've been there too many times!

But our family mantra is "Things Can Always Be Worse!"

 I was reminded about that when I was listening to the radio on the way to work. A Brad Paisley song came on, called "One of Those Lives." In the song, he is complaining about it being "one of those days" - because his boss yelled at him, he is stuck in rush hour traffic, and a Cadillac just cut him off. Then his wife calls to tell him about their friend's little boy, and says "the doctor says his cancer is back". Then comes the chorus of the song: 

"Man, it's been one of those days
When I've been thinkin' poor me
I've got no right to complain I guess
'Cause right now all I can see
Is a little angel in a Yankees cap
It makes me realize
It's just been one of those days for me
But for him it's been one of those lives"

There are so many families struggling with sick kids. Don't get me wrong, 9 people die every day in the U.S. from asthma. My son almost died twice!! I knew that each hospitalizations would last about 3 days, followed by my son or daughter coming home on oxygen, and then missing a week of school. But MOST OF THE TIME, I knew they would get better. 

Many families have a hard time dealing with the stress of having a sick child. Yahoo Health has an article about how the whole family is affected when you have a chronically ill child. Know that you are not alone in feeling stressed!! The article lists several things to do to help relieve the stress. 

If you are feeling stressed about having a child in the hospital (who wouldn't be?!) Ask your nurse for help. Our hospital has a social worker and psychologist on staff to help family members. They have great coping skills they can teach you. You can also have friends help out by bringing in dinner and taking other children to school/scouts/dance practice, etc. 

If friends say "What can I do to help?" Let them know what you need! One time I was craving home- made, gooey, chocolate chip cookies. So I told my friend that, and she made a batch and brought it to the hospital. It really boosted my spirits!

Keep things in perspective. You can do this! You may have good and bad days, but remember that "Things Can Always Be Worse!!"