The Littlest Patient

Last Friday, Margot had tubes put in her ears. It was a quick and easy procedure, with a few moments of stress that quickly subsided.

Leading up to the surgery, my worries revolved around the idea that my 17 lb little girl was going to be given general anesthesia. When the strongest medicine she's ever been given has been tylenol and an antibiotic, this was scary. I was also fretting over the idea of not giving her her morning bottle; something she's so accustomed to. I knew it would upset and confuse her to not be able to eat first thing. There's something visceral about wanting to calm and soothe your child, especially if it's part of your daily routine.

We had matching bracelets! Hers was a little smaller than mine.

Seeing Margot awaken from the anesthesia, where her little body was like a floppy lead weight, was probably the scariest part.

She was brave and let me console her with shushes and milk and by the end of the day, she was back to her chirpy, sweet self.

Someone gave me good advice about it all. She urged me to remember that Margot is in the hands of some of the best medical professionals in the world. For most children around the world, this treatment wouldn't even be an option. So, even though it's hard to see her upset, leading up to or after the surgery, she'll be ok. In fact, she'll be better off because of the medical care she's so lucky to receive.

Plus, I got to teach my little sweetheart a lesson (and there are many, many more to come): when she goes through something that's scary and unknown, things will be ok. She may even learn that she's courageous and strong. And, she'll know that her dad and I will be by her side, reminding her of how brave she is.