Hospital

I am writing this on Friday 21st Nov as Minnie is under general anaesthetic, having her hearing tested as part of an assessment to see whether she is a good candidate for a cochlear implant.  It is not particularly invasive, but she needs to be still for the test, and toddlers rarely stay still.

She has had a few GAs in her time, and I always cry when she goes under.

Coming back into hospital pulls up so many feelings. I feel helpless as a parent as I can't take her place as she goes through all her tests and procedures. I feel frustrated at the whims of fate and the random statistics that landed her with her condition. And I cry. Mostly because there is nothing else I can do to help.

Except try my hardest to be a good parent, and show Minnie that she can thrive and take strength from this adversity.

And know that she is one of the lucky ones.

Coming into the Evelina Children's Hospital, I see children dealing brilliantly with much more debilitating conditions than Minnie's. And when I see them, I am inspired by their strength and quietly grateful that our load is as light as it is.

The NHS is amazing, and Minnie always seems to be looked after by the smartest and most smiley people.

Sometimes I speak to Penny about being a doctor, but maybe Minnie might be so inspired by the amazing people she sees, maybe she might want to be. 

Or not ... and I am grateful that she will hopefully have all those choices open to her.

There are lots of appointments to see if she is a  good candidate for a cochlear implant (or 2!), we should find out what the team recommend early in the new year.