The End of the Story...I Hope

Thirty-six hours into the antibiotics with no improvement in sight called for action. (See yesterday's posting.) After calling around my hubby located an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

"We probably don't have time for him today," came the initial response from the receptionist.

"Well, the doctor at the ER said it most likely was an absessed tonsil. He's been on antibiotics now for a day and a half and the swelling is no different. He's in agony."

"Hmmm. Better bring him right over."

"When?"

"Now." (It was early afternoon.)

So off they went. In what seemed like no time at all I received a call from hubby. "Jamie is being prepped and will be in surgery in about half an hour or so." (It was 3:45ish pm.)

"Woah. Wait a minute. You're in the hospital? Didn't you go to the doctor's office?"

"Yup. The doctor took one look and said he would meet us across the road as soon as he could finish up with his patients." (I will let you figure out where the office was located...) "He said he was surprised this thing had not already burst."

Yuck. A tonsil bursting. Pretty unpleasant no matter how you look at it.

Surgery was prompt and efficient. He removed the infection, cleaned the area, and patched him up. He was out of the OR by 5:30 and released at 7:30 or so. Little sister Louissa had bought popsicles, store bought pudding (I am compelled to point that out - I am not fond of store bought pudding), ice cream, and yogurt was already on hand. He arrived home by 8:30 and was hungry. So he sat at the table happily eating.

Rick praised his conduct as a patient - said he never complained throughout this whole ordeal. The doctor had asked him to rate his pain on a 1-10 scale. "Oh, I guess I would give it a 7," came Jamie's calculated response. With eyebrows raised the doctor smirked, "You've got to be kidding! If I had that thing in my throat it would be a 10+ and I would be whining and crying!"
When quizzed on his rating Jamie said he figured it couldn't have hurt as much as losing a hand. Well, I suppose....

At any rate, Dad was pretty exhausted come bedtime. Time for him to get a good night's sleep. Another night on the couch just wasn't going to cut it. So what to do with Merrick who is used to being with Mom? I didn't think that Jamie was quite ready for sharing his bed yet. He needed a good night's sleep, too. So Merrick would sleep with big sister Liana. We figured this might be a difficult transition but good ol' Mom used her best persuasive powers.

"Just think, Buddy. You've made some happy memories these past couple of weeks having bedtime with me. It's been fun telling stories and snuggling and laughing. Now you get to make some special memories with big sisters'. They love you, too, you know."

He hesitated momentarily, pondering the possibility of these words. A slight smile let me know he had transitioned just fine.

Sure enough, half an hour later I poked my head in Liana's bedroom door. There sat the prince by his sister's side, cuddled under the quilted covers. They both had lights on, reading their books. His was Camilla's Olivia and together they looked and laughed at her red shoes and sunglasses. He smiled widely as he caught my eyes. She giggled. "Oh, mom..." she said knowingly, sure that I was pleased with the scene. And she was right. A memory to be cataloged for future viewing was already being processed. I quietly pulled the door shut.

Quick as a wink I was pj'ed. Then into bed I hopped, right next to my honey, sheets already warmed and my best friend there to share my thoughts with. For the moment all was right in my world. And this mama was tired, too.