Aubrey just can't contain that inner Sleeping Beauty

Completely Undone

I walk this earth alone

and all I've ever known

is you are right beside me...

~Lauren Christy~

Last month Emi was in the hospital for a few days. It turned out just fine, thank goodness.

The many physicians who examined her, after several different diagnosis decided it was an adverse drug reaction to antibiotics.  Emi had strep throat that progressed to (maybe) mono, that required antibiotics that nearly cut off her airway. Aubrey would later have the same type of reaction, albeit in a different form just a few weeks later. Although they both had a severe rash, Aubrey didn't have any airway problems, but the swelling from the rash caused her to have bruises all over her body. Luckily, it didn't effect her kidneys, so she didn't have to be admitted. But, there was a moment in that hospital room where I was alone with Emi and she was sick and she couldn't breathe easily and I was in a position where I was forced to contemplate the question my child's mortality. I highly recommend avoiding that experience. It's an excruciatingly helpless feeling. I wanted to ease her pain, remove her suffering, take her place... all of those futile bargains we make as parents to save our kids.  I didn't, no couldn't, leave her and stayed at the hospital the entire time. When she was able to return home, I was, I am overjoyed. The kids who were too sick and likely remained at the hospital, and will remain there broke my heart. I am deliriously happy that so far, my kids have not had to struggle with chronic medical problems like so many other children and families have to endure. This post is nothing more than me trying to express my endless, clumsy gratitude that my kids got better, that they are healthy again and our lives will go on. My sympathies and my love go out to families that struggle to cope with the chronic illnesses of their children.