"That was fun, Mommy," Julia said as the technician un-swaddled her and I helped her down from the cold, hard MRI table.
I had been dreading this MRI for weeks, worried about how her shunt was functioning and about how she would react to the test.
Typically she is reluctant to lay down on the sterile metal table, but not this time. She was happy as a clam.
The MRI technician explained to Julia that she was going to wrap her up nice and tight so that she could not move and then take some pictures of her head. Julia happily nodded her head and giggled. Then, she put some headphones on Julia's ears to block the noise and foam padding around her head so that it was immobile. Still, Julia was smiling. I leaned over her and told her that I would be right beside her and she tried to shake her head, but she couldn't move.
Then, they slid her into the MRI tunnel and the banging and clanking noises proceeded. I was still anxiously awaiting the silent tears and quivering lips that have accompanied every other CT or MRI, but they never materialized.
I am relieved that Julia is no longer scared to have an MRI or CT. They are part of life for her. I am sad that she has had so many in her three short years that they are common place, fun...
Hospitals and medical procedures and tests are not supposed to be fun. They have been so much a part of Julia's life that they are her normal. She asks routinely "Am I going to the doctor today?" and she says it with such enthusiasm!
I am grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff who have cared for Julia at Children's Medical Center and Scottish Rite Hospital. The gifts, lollipops, stickers and attention that they lavish upon her have made trips to the doctor not so scary. In fact, check-ups are down right fun. Her favorite part is when she gets to have a sparkly band-aide to wear home and show off to her sisters.
I will always be nervous about the outcome of Julia's medical tests and procedures. At least now I don't have to worry about her fear and anxiety, because she is so very brave.
Hugs for you, Mama. The other day someone told me that "on your shoulders these boys are learning to fly". All I could think of is how much it is just the opposite. I know I have already learned much more from them than they will ever learn from me. I'm sure you could say the same.
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