This BLOG ENTRY is directed to certain family members who don’t really understand what having a child with Heterotaxy, Polysplenia is like.
After you get over the shock of what your child has you go through denial, sadness and blame. You struggle to find a Happy Medium for your child. You want your child to be independent but at the same time you want to keep your child in a bubble – protecting her from the outside world.
Certain people just don’t get it. No matter how much you try to explain yourself. They just don’t get why I am careful with Chloe around animals. I have been called a dog hater because of this. I grew up with dogs as pets; I had 2 cats before I had children, and I even cried when my cat Mischeif had surgery. People who really know me understand why I am careful with my daughter around animals. They understand why I feel nervous about dogs. They also know why I really don't like them around her. They don’t call me an animal hater. So for those of you who don’t know why it is because of bacteria infections. Children who have Asplenia or Polysplenia are susceptible to infections by C. Carnivorous. If a child gets bitten it will be a trip to ER followed by co-antibiotic or erythromycin.
So please the next time you want to call me an animal hater please think twice why I am the way I am.
3 comments:
I am saddening that certain people can be ignorant about Chloe and her illness. As her aunt I do what I can to protect! When she comes to my house I always remind Chloe about my dog. I know even though my dog is friendly she is a dog and can misread certain things and may bite. If my dog is feeling under the weather or Chloe and the girls are too loud I will put my dog in her cage (which is her safe place) and let her be for a while. As hard as it is for Chloe she understand that she can pet my dog but then needs to wash up and becareful. Chloe wants a dog and it makes me sad that she can’t.
Do you remember our dog Fefe, she bite Sandra a couple of times. She was your dog and was very over protected over you. I remember how much you loved Fefe. You feed her, bath her and she would sleep with you. I also remember how sad you were when she died. Let’s not forget Snoopy and Fefe 2nd. You loved them too. If only these ignorant people could see the disappointment that you can’t give your daughter a pet, like we had as kids. But, we know. We know who you are.
For those of you who don’t know. I have seen you at your weakest and strongest. I have seen the warrior in you fighting for your child. Chloe is lucky to have a mom like you who is dogmatic. Don’t change who you are. I have been with you when you cried, wondering what went wrong and questions you’ve asked. I have visited Chloe in the hospital and seen the IV hook up to her little arm. I have seen Chloe cry when her cousins had to leave the hospital and she had to stay behind. I saw my husband Last February a man of 6’2 brought to tears when he visited Chloe at Children’s. I remember when Chloe was 18 months and you holding her in your arms because you didn’t have the heart to put her in the Oxygen tent. You held that oxygen tube all night and day to her nose just to avoid putting her in the oxygen tent. You did that for 3 days straight. I have seen your strength for when we need to depend on you. I have seen Brady cry and arms wide open when Chloe and you returned from days in the hospital. The people who said these statements I ask you; do you really know who my sister is? You have every right to be weary of animals because of your daughter. It doesn’t make you an animal hater; your just a mom doing what you can to keep her safe.
Love, Christine
I agree with my sister Christine, I remember getting bit by Fefe because of how protective she is and I think Ana and I were playing. I also remember having to go to the ER to get my hand stitched up because of how badly she bit me. I have 2 dogs as well, which I either lock up or put out side on their LEASHES (BECAUSE TO REMIND EVERYONE THEIR IS A LEASH LAW IN OUR CITY) when Chloe comes over. I understand what can happen to my niece if she is bitten or even lick by a dog if she has a cut, infection can set. She will have to go to ER to be evaluated and receive treatment. She may even have to stay in the hospital. For me the safety all children ESPECIALLY Chloe comes first before my dogs. JUST TO INFORM ALL YOU WHO DON’T GET IT: I too have seen Chloe in the hospital suffering so much from when she had pneumonia and influenza. Last February she was in hospital for 5 days. I remember seeing her in ICU and she was so weak. I have gone with my sister to ER rooms when Chloe had high fevers. I saw how hard it was for my sister to hold it together but she did. She is not an animal hater but a mom who is an ADVOCATE for her daughter. Because I am her sister I understand why she is the way she is when it comes to animals. I understand why she battles to keep them away from her daughter but it’s a battle that people don’t like to listen too and just don’t get. I am sorry for those who just don’t see that but are blinded like Christine said from their own stupidity and selfishness.
As sister’s we aren’t perfect. We have are fights and may even go without talking. But we are sisters who will stick up for one another. We love each other and when one hurts we all hurt. So please next time you want to say negative things to her just remember who you are saying it too.
For those of you who don’t know: My sister Ana would go with out sleeping for days to make sure Chloe was ok and comfortable. My sister has always been the person who puts others first and made sure they were happy rather than herself. She is a caring and given person. But, through the years she has became her daughter’s fighter. She had too in order to find out what was wrong with her daughter. It takes a certain type of person to do that. I love my sisters with all my heart and we have been there for one another - always no matter what. Our families come first and the 3 of us will drop everything to help and that is what true family is about. I am blessed to have my sisters. Ana you raised me and put her life on hold to do so. You have always been like my mother even when we disagree. I thank you. My hat goes off to you and I love u with all my heart.
Love, Sandy
Anabella:
You know you are doing the right thing for your daughter and I would do the same. Mike and I often talk about how we would have had to protect Sophie, had we known about the Asplenia before she died...our life would have been so differnt, but in a heartbeat, we would have done just as you are doing. Your little girl is so beautiful and she is so lucky to have such a strong and loving Mommy like you. I know this without ever having met you, because you continue to think about me and my family even with everything you have on your plate...I hope you have had a most peaceful holiday...Love,
Grace
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