One of my son's is having a serious medical issue. There have been visits to A&E (the Emergency Room for my American readers), the family doctor from an appointment we arranged through an Urgent Care number, and a brief stint to the hospital. The quality of care has been ineffective to say the least and at points, seems to make things much worse. His pain levels have been through the roof and while I'm hugging him, trying to comfort him through one of these episodes, I can feel his little heart pounding and racing through it's staccatto beat at a speed I imagine could match a humming bird's wings. My head feels like it's about to split open at points and I know its from my blood pressure. Each time I explain my sons situation and they dismiss it, insisting that we stay their prescribed course, my head pounds harder and the nausea washes over me making me think that I might vomit all over someone at any minute. But I can't show any of that. My son needs me to be calm, soothing and comforting.
I couldn't be prouder of my son as he faces this so bravely and masters breathing techniques to manage the pain. I'm going to take a cue from him. I'm going work on my own mastery of those breathing techniques, be brave for him and battle through whatever medical professionals I need to in order to get him the help he needs.
