The Best Medicine

I don't even know where to start.. I currently find myself sitting around waiting for the doctors office to open because big brother awoke at 4am screaming of an ear infection. It's so hard when our children are sick. There is so much we want to do to help, but in reality there is little we can (or they will allow us to) do. Seriously, if I told you that a heating pad will help you feel better wouldn't you at least try it? Nope, not in the world of a 3.5 year old. He's gonna fight me and tell me it's too hot and tell me (again) how much his ear hurts and that he wants me to make it go away. Again, I've given the sweet drops and we've taken Tylenol. Please trust me buddy, this heating pad is my last good idea, and i'm starting to think of a few bad ones in case this doesn't pan out. Finally he crawls up into my lap and allows me to place the evil heating pad under his ear. What's that sound? Silence? My screaming-in-pain child has fallen asleep. I realize this is the first time in months (maybe longer) that this fiercely independent child has fallen asleep in my lap, or even let me hold him, for that matter. All of a sudden he is a baby again, he needs me. I have to cherish this moment. I will smell his hair and rub his back. When he feels better he will no longer be my sweet child. He will again be a wild, crazy, adventurous boy who has nothing but curiosity and excitement to explore the world around him. Only 2.5 hours until the doctors office opens. We can do this. We will get through today.