Nothing derails the holiday season more than being admitted to the hospital with your 1yr-old. T3 tested positive for RSV, adenovirus, and rhinovirus. Simultaneously. A perfect storm of viral affliction, which took him down hard.
After daily visits to the emergency room with distressed breathing and low oxygen levels, we were eventually told he would be moving to the inpatient ward.
Amid the sleepless nights, yards of medical cords, and endless monitor alarms, it felt like nothing could possibly get worse. But beneath a struggle, perspective always offers a hidden gift. If you are open to finding it.
So, as I sat for days and nights in the rigidity of a plastic hospital chair, holding a baby who labored for every breath, I tried to remind myself of the things that really mattered.
It doesn’t matter that the outdoor Christmas lights were in boxes in the garage. What matters is that I have access to health care and a husband that puts his family first.
It doesn’t matter that half the ornaments didn’t get hung. What matters is that my kids had the most enchanting visit with Santa.
It doesn’t matter that we weren’t at every holiday party or local festivity. What matters is that my kids are happy and laughing and making core memories.
It doesn’t matter that the holiday projects will turn into Valentine’s projects. What matters is that my kids are learning to take care of those who take care of us.
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about us or their opinions on how we chose to enjoy our holidays. What matters is that this nuclear family is home, (somewhat) healthy, and together on Christmas. This is a gift many families don’t have.
Happy Christmas everyone. We hope you are healthy, or at least healthy-adjacent. And may you have the blessing of being able to decipher what really matters during this holiday season.
Use Your Accent 