The Feelings of Helplessness by Daddy


Being a parent certainly brings its joys and frustrations.  We want so much for our children and we want to be able to give them all that they want and deserve with as little obstacles as possible.  It doesn’t mean we will just give them everything on a silver platter; it’s just that we want them to try their best and make the best effort possible to achieve their goals no matter what they are.  However, with that come frustrations and feelings of helplessness, at least for me.  If you have ever had that feeling you understand what I am talking about…it’s that feeling of wanting to help your child(ren) with every situation but knowing deep down that there really is nothing you can do to help.  Of course, you can talk to them, provide encouragement and just plain support them in every way possible.  But ultimately it is up to your child specifically to overcome whatever obstacle to achieve that goal.  That goal can be anything from getting good grades to recovering from an illness. 

By now, I am sure you are all wondering and asking where this little schpeal is going.  Well let me tell you.  It is no surprise to anyone and everyone the trials and tribulations my family has been facing the last few weeks with Ian being sick and in the PICU at Johns Hopkins hospital.  Tonight, Wednesday, I had those feelings of helplessness earlier this evening when, at one point, I look in to Ian’s eyes and could see the sadness and despair in them.  As he just stared off in to space or at the television, I could tell he was not in a good and happy place.  I immediately tried talking to him, telling him that everything was going to be ok of course but he had every right to be sad and upset.  I mean come on; the boy has been an absolute trooper lying in bed for close to three weeks straight 24/7.  However, I made sure that he was aware that both mommy and I, among all our friends and family, were with him every step of the way.  I could tell he heard me and knew what I was saying but that look in his eyes wasn’t going away.  So with that I had that feeling of helplessness and I just sat in the chair next to his bed, rubbed his leg and watched television with him in silence.  To help maybe better his mood or give him something else to focus on I started reading his Stink book to him.  With that he fell asleep for maybe 15-20 minutes which was good.  So I just continued to sit with him while he slept but my helpless feeling remained. 

After a couple of hours, Ian pointed out that he needed his “pants” (aka diaper) changed.  So his nurse was in the room and we started to change him.  During the process I noticed the vial connected to Ian’s G-tube for drainage seemed to be full and in need of emptying.  So I looked at Ian and asked him flat out (jokingly of course), ‘Why didn’t you tell us it needed to be emptied?’  He raised his left hand, eyes wide and clearly looked at me as in ‘DUH, how am I supposed to tell you.’  When I saw his “answer” I then asked him, ‘What’s wrong, you have a tube in your throat or something?’ Which, in a way only Ian can do, he once again raised his left hand, eyes wide and appeared to point to his tube as in ‘Well as a matter of fact I do!’

Just seeing how big and wide his eyes were made those feelings of helplessness for my son begin to dissipate.  It only got better when I gently pinched his nose and Ian raising his hand to pinch mine back.  The feeling completely vanished when I would start laughing and I saw a genuine smile upon my little boys face for the first time in weeks without asking him to smile.  Only thing that made it better was having him also stick his tongue out at me. 
   
 


Just seeing this total mood transformation from Ian, even if for a short time, once again makes it all worthwhile to sit here with him day in and day out no matter how long it takes for him to recover as best he can so we can bring him home.

Therefore, as a parent, no matter how much those feelings of helplessness overcome you just remember who it is all for.  It’s for all those smiles, bright eyes and, yes, even tongues being stuck out at you. 

Comments

  1. Very touching Brian. Thinking about Ian, you, Marci, & Becca. Sending good vibes your way.
    Mitch

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've now read this 3 times and haven't been able to make it through without repeatedly wiping tears from my eyes. Incredibly well written!!!!

    Here's to you and Ian....

    :-P

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brian, this was beautifully stated and brought tears to my eyes as I could feel your pain. Ian is an incredible little man, and I am so lucky that he is a part of my life. He is one of a kind and a unique kind of special that no one else can have. It made me smile to read that his witty personality is coming back and that he stuck his tongue out at you! I am so thankful for that Kindergarten field trip to the pumpkin farm so that you and I reconnected and your family is such an important part of my life. I love you all and am anxiously awaiting my boyfriend's arrival back home.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Leslie Remler Moss amazing update from Brian. We are thinking of you . xoxo

    Karen Krantweiss Nudelman This post brought me to tears. The hardest thing in the world is to bear witness to our children's pain and not be able to fix it. Your humor, your love, your kindness are all tools that will help you all. I hope you feel the strength and support from all of us who are bearing witness to your journey, as well. Much love to you all. Karen

    Nancie Leibowitz You are truly amazing!!!!!

    Scot Lippenholz Awesome blog entry!!!

    Laurie Fox Schimmel well said Brian! Your family is in my thoughts! xoxo

    Andy Cooper Beautiful update, thinking of you guys. Send Ian our love and prayers

    Alex Weinberg much love and berakhot to all of you! we are thinking about you all

    Jill Granek Suffel amazingly put Bri!

    Tamara Jayne Flax Beautifully said.

    Amy Eisenberg Samay Marci, when you talk to the Home and Hospital people, ask about intermittent home and hospital for the future. I have students with recurring or chronic conditions (asthma, for example), who go back on H&H after 3 or 4 consecutive days out of school.

    Jill Gerber Katz Marci, Ryan was on intermittent H&H all last year for a chronic medical condition. If you need any questions answered, just email me. Heading to JHH tomorrow with Shannen for tests. She wants to visit Ian afterwards if she/he are feeling up to it.

    Marci Weinberg Scher Jill....Shannon's not allowed in the picu....have to be 16. Tell her I will pass it along 2 Ian that she wanted 2 visit...and love that she wants 2...thank you.

    Jill Gerber Katz Thanks for the heads up Marci. Glad I checked with you before we headed up, she would have been devastated! I will let her know that she will have to wait until he comes home or back to school to see him. She wanted to bring him a gift to cheer him up. Hope you all have an easy, comfortable day!!!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts