Sunday, April 12, 2009

Things I learned over the weekend...

We had a bit of a rough week last week, that included two trips to the ER, one trip to the doctor's office, and a two-day stay in the hospital. A couple of things I learned.

ER Doctors and Nurses are Incredible.

You have people come into your workspace who are in a panic. Some of them may be in a life or death situation. Some of them might be contagious. But it's all in a day's work. The doctors and nurses were professional, attentive, and all around great folks. They not only did the big things that many of us would find hard (stick needles in a toddler, give enemas, take stool samples), but they did it with class. I won't soon forget the tattooed, pierced, lab technician with a 4 inch goatee who talked to my two-year-old like he was the most important person in the room.

The Rotavirus Sucks.

While we're not sure my son had the rotavirus, he had all the same symptoms. Vomiting, diareah, dehydration, and low blood-sugar. The rotavirus kills half a million kids a year, usually because of dehydration. It makes me realize how lucky I am to live in a place where I can get folks to stick a needle in my son and get his body the fluids he needs.

I Can Still Party Like the Old Days

I sat up with my son on Saturday night. I'm more a night person, while my wife get's up early. I thought I'd be able to catch a few Zs here and there, but I was up until 6:45 on Sunday morning. She took over and I came home and slept for 4 hours. In the old days, I stayed up and partied. Now I stay up and watch a kid to make sure none of his tubes are falling out.

If You Put Off a Decision Long Enough, It Takes Care Of Itself

My wife and I were trying to decide what to do with our tax refund. Now we don't have to make that decision. It's spent.

Kids Are Worth It

Any way you cut it, kids are worth it.

8 comments:

Callie said...

I've been worried about you guys, but kind of out of touch til tonight. I'm so sorry your little guy has had such a rough weekend-it sounds like he has had one nasty bug. I hope he's on the road to recovery now. Can we help with anything, now that we're back in town?

Unknown said...

Ouch doesn't sound like a fun weekend. Sounds like things are getting better. Let me know if there is anything we can do for you.

MJ said...

I like ER docs and nurses too...my dad was one for I think over 20 years and is exactly how you described. I'm glad Isaac is better and you guys survived what sounds like a crazy weekend!

MJ said...

hey, I wanted you to see this site about CO's virtual academy...I don't know if there might be job possibilities with them, but it sounds like your type of field:

http://www.k12.com/cova/

John Dehlin said...

Sorry you had a tough weekend, Marion. If it's any consolation -- you're not alone!!!

You're the coolest ever, so hang in there, k?

G. Parker said...

I tell ya, sometimes you run into the jerks, but more often than not, they're amazing folks that go into that job market. Sorry about your son...hope everything settles down okay -- sorry about the tax refund too...easy come easy go?? lol Kids are definitely worth it.

Cami Checketts said...

So sorry about your son. I hope he's doing better. I am also a huge fan of the ER staff, but not too in love with letters from their billing department.

C.J. said...

What a bummer. I hope you're little guy gets completely better.