Things I’ve learned after 4ish days in a pediatric hospital on the pulmonary wing.

1. Not a single medical professional takes much stock in a negative Covid test, especially if it’s the rapid results test.

2. Being able to breathe is a freaking gift. A gift, people. Breathe in deep if you can and enjoy it.

3. Kids may not die as often from Covid, but it’s pretty ugly as you walk by the rooms. (My son tested covid negative twice , thankfully)

4. Nurses are all superheroes.
The male nurse who makes your son spontaneously decide he wants to be a nurse too? Su-per-he-ro

5. Having a healthy kid is a privilege I take for granted.

I realize I’m saying this from a hospital room, but for the most part, his health is never at the top of our worries.

6. Healthcare is a human rights issue. I’m a teacher and have good insurance. What do you do if your kid is drowning in his own body and you don’t? It’s kept me up these last few nights.

7. Masks. For the love, wear them. You may not be vulnerable, but people around you are. They may look “normal.” They may be young. Doesn’t matter. Wear. Your. Mask.

8. There is only so much you can eat of whatever restaurant is closest to the hospital. Potbelly sandwiches, Potbelly mac n cheese, Potbelly salad.
BUT OMG WAIT POTBELLY COOKIES ARE AMAZING AND I HAVE EATEN 20.

9. When your kid is finally able to walk as far as the vending machine, you buy him whatever he wants. It’s the law.

10. Nighttime nurses are magical, silent ninjas who can flush an IV, run a blood pressure cuff and take your kid’s temperature without waking them.

If I even whisper near my kid’s bedroom he wakes up. I don’t get it. It must be what they practice in nursing school.

11. Do not attempt to watch A Dog’s Purpose on the free movies. Don’t watch it ever because you will cry. Don’t watch it when your kid is in the hospital because you will ugly cry.