Growth

Here at my house, we have had weeks of illness. First the oldest PS had a tooth infection - causing him to miss an exam, which is now scheduled for this coming week. Then the youngest PS came down with a vicious gastroenteritis which, despite our efforts to keep him hydrated, he ended up in hospital for 2 nights and 3 days. He lost 2 k.g. and the paediatrician who saw him was concerned. They checked his records and decided that he has not increased much in weight since his appendectomy and peritonitis in Oct 2010. This resulted in me being questioned by 4 student doctors and the nutritionist, which ultimately annoyed me so much that I said I keep him locked in the cupboard under the stairs, and feed him crusts when he's good!

Needless to say all the questioning upset my boy, who is sensitive about being a "small boy". Just before discharging him,  the paediatrician came to say he will need a full check up and a bone-age test in a few weeks. I reminded my downcast son that had I recently spent a fortune on him because he had outgrown all his clothes and shoes, so he is growing just fine.

He recovered well, and has regained some weight already, but this weekend he has been coughing and has had high fevers. Now the oldest PS is feeling sick too, probably from the same virus. He cannot miss the exam this time!

With all this sickness and talk about growth, I remembered a poem I first wrote when I was 17.


 Growing Things:

God is in the growing things
that creep through cracks and crumbling paths,
to find the shaft of light between
the monoliths of shade.

God is in the struggling things
that strive to find the faintest light,
and overcome the rocks and stones with
perseverance, which is power.

The spreading root can anchor,
the frail stem gets through.
Peace is in the flower
God is guiding you.