I still remember the day when my husband and myself were waiting outside the pediatric ICU of a hospital in India where our 9 month old baby girl was lying with innumerable tubes and wires attached to her body . We had been told that the main doctor wanted to talk to us and we were waiting for him. That was the turning point in our life , I would call it as a life changing moment.
After we were informed about her condition and the need for an immediate surgery, I think both of us reacted in absolutely different ways. My husband who has been (still is) a very practical , strong person was shattered completely. This came as an absolute shock to me . Suddenly , tables had turned and he was looking upto me for taking decisions.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for our whole family that day on till today as she was operated thrice before the age of two. I had to meet various doctors in almost all specialists ranging from neurologists to nephrologists to physiotherapists and all branches of medicine from allopathy to ayurveda to aura specialists with my daughter. During the process, I had learnt to do enema and even catheterization thanks to her doctors.
After 12 years of being in and out of hospitals with my child, I have realised many things. First and foremost is that women are more equipped to deal with a crisis especially when it involves her child. A father is the most vulnerable when he sees his child in pain. I think that's the way nature has built us. But over the years, my husband has evolved into an incredible superhero for his daughter and I am so proud of him that he emerged that way.
If you are a parent who is dealing with your child's critical illness, here is something which we would like you to know.. your child is seeing the world through you. If you appear confident in dealing with whatever comes their way,they also will feel the confidence . They can judge their condition from your expressions however young they are.
So, never lose heart. Have the courage to be with your child when they need you the most. Scream, shout , cry and express all your frustrations and helplessness away from your child. Get back to your child and be an active partner along with them in their fight. You will see them evolve as strong warriors in any circumstance.
Most important job of a parent is to "find the courage to help your child have the courage to try".
Felt like writing this down when I came
to know about a father who committed suicide on hearing about his daughter's illness. You have lost the battle without even fighting it.. Prayers for that child and her mom 🙏
