The Mindful Homeschool

Two nights ago we took an unexpected trip to the hospital ER.  Dh was experiencing tingling sensations in his fingers and feet and when he explained the condition to the nurse over the phone, she recommended that he get someone to drive him to the ER.  So there we were bundling into the mini-van at 7:oo-ish in the frigid, dark night with the 3 kids and a whole lot of activity bags.  I did the driving which felt weird (usually that is something the hubby does when we do any trips as a family).  Dh was able to  get into see a doctor right away which was good.  The kids and I waited in the lobby for most of the time and they behaved very well, esp. considering that it lasted about 2 1/2 hours.  We were lucky enough to be able to pass the time with a woman named Alyssa.  Her job must have been to make people in the lobby feel better and she was good at it.  She gaved the kids balloons, plush toys and coloring books.  The coloring book was about being in the ER which was lost on the kids but it was such a nice gesture and helped the kids pass the time.  The ER doctor, if you can believe this, turned out to be Mike, from down the street.  He discharged Hubby after about 2 1/2 hours of testing and told us we could call him anytime if we have any concerns.  

The only bad part about the experience, aside from the stress of it all, was knowing that there would be a big fat bill in our mailbox in the weeks to come.  But I am trying to let go of that and focus on the positive.  And who knows, maybe our financial picture will be brighter this year.  Who knows what is in store for any of us this year?  Just need to focus on what we have right now: our health and each other.  There were a lot of people in the ER last night that were not going to get the “okay/all clear” to go home that evening.  I saw grown men and women crying.  We were the lucky ones there. 

We left the hospital with three balloons, some cute and cuddly plush toys and Daddy.  

I know that to be working in an environment like that takes a special sort of person, a special calling.  Not the life for me.  A lot of people have said that they could not homeschool for this or that reason.  I understand that HSing is not for everyone.  I, however, do feel in my heart that this is what I am supposed to be doing right now.   Even though I have moments when I find it overwhelming.  But it is what feels right for me right now.  At this time in my life.  And we are just going to take it one day at a time, one moment at a time.

And so, in the interest of saluting what I think might be one of the hardest jobs in the world, I would like to say a prayer of thanksgiving to all the men and women who work in the medical profession, especially the ERs.  May they continue to bring aid and comfort to those who in need.