Friday, April 3, 2009

Empathy

Today I learned empathy.  

Last Thursday night, Allie wasn't eating her dinner. That is highly unusual for her. As I was trying to find her something else to eat, I looked over to see her throwing up.  It continued off and on through Saturday.  I felt bad for her.  And all she wanted was for me to hold her.  That was fun for the first day but I started to feel a little claustrophobic.  

And just when she started to feel better, she cut 2 new teeth.  And that continues the whineyness and clinginess.

And then she woke up with a cough.  And luckily, she is still pretty happy.  But sometimes in the night, I have to go in and hold her to stop the coughing.  And all I have been hoping for is that she would get better already.

And last night I heard Laney get up in the middle of the night.  And I came to the family room to retrieve her and put her back in bed.  And I realized I was a little wobbly on my feet.  And when I woke up this morning, I felt a little light headed.  I had some toast hoping that would help.  And an hour later, I was regretting that choice.  

And I suddenly had empathy for Allie.  Because I was feeling how she felt last weekend.  And all I wanted was for my mom to hold me.  And she didn't.  But Erich did volunteer but I told him to make sure that Laney didn't beat up Allie.  And then I just wanted to hold Allie because I was feeling bad for being an impatient mom when she felt so bad.

On a happier note, it's 2 in the afternoon and I am feeling much better.  And I have the next 2 weeks off of work.

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