Easy Breathing

Talk around here no longer revolves around keeping Little Man safe.The talk around here is more like chatter of a healthy family. An average family, without a life threatening disorder. We chat about how your nose gets juice on it while you bite into an apple. We chatter about being a Fairy Princess Artist and being able to fly to making art on the moon and we do an awful lot of car chatter for a Little Man with a very limited vocabulary. Did you know they (men) are born loving transportation of all sorts and all that goes with it? I had no idea. And I've been told that I "Vroom" inadequately by my nearly 2 year old.
With all of this family chatter, I've found myself breathing easy. Actual deep breathing, the kind through my diaphragm. The way we are all supposed to breath. It's so amazing because I never thought I would be able to breath again. There are times, when I see Little Man moving a dining room chair to reach another cookie or climb the baby gate or when he picks on the dog. Well, There are times when the breathing just stops. But then, I remind myself that it's been over a year since he's had a hospital bleed, and he has had normal toddler bumps and falls that haven't sent him to the Clinic.
And I start breathing again.

Pity and Accusations

I see the pity in your eyes as we choose the ripest berries in the produce isle;
Why don't you just ask?

I hear your gasps as you you first see him;
Don't look quickly away like you didn't gasp, smile at him and say "hi".

I see the glaring accusations in your eyes as we play in the park;
Stop whispering and call Child Services if you are really concerned...

Have you ever seen a child you suspected being abused or mistreated in any way? Did you follow the family to the car to get their license plate number? Did you get the manager of the store you were in? Did you help that child?
Or were you too busy, didn't want to be a bother, didn't want to be embarrassed if you were wrong?

If you suspect any child is being abused, call your local Child Services. If the child has an illness that makes him or her look bruised and battered, like my own son, the family has piles of paperwork to back up their story. I will happily take him to the hospital for a check-up, I will happily talk to a therapist, case worker and even the police officer.
If you worry, don't hesitate to get involved...
No child should be left behind to suffer alone.