Have you ever answered all the questions, read some books and snuggled with a 2 year old covered in the juice of a mango? My sister friend and her husband have three wonderful little munchkins, and I got to spend some time with them this weekend. There is something about spending time with healthy kids, especially ones that you love and who love you back.
I usually joke that I am one of those people who has “SUCKER” written on their foreheads in ink that only kids and animals can see, and I think that’s why I love being a pediatric nurse so much. Kids are usually the ones who pick me out on a crowded subway or bus because I will make funny faces at them when they supposedly aren’t looking. But the difference this weekend for me was that I wasn’t playing with sick kids or with kids in public, but I got to hang with one chunky monkey baby and two very inquisitive toddlers, and what makes it even better is that they call me “Aunty” or “Manana,” which is about the cutest thing I’ve heard in a good long while.
Working with kids, in any capacity, can be amazing, draining, emotional, funny and continue to insert all the words here. I have a lot of respect for my fellow snake charmers… I mean kid charmers, who work with kids and then go home and have their kids tugging at them, asking questions, etc. That’s amazing. When I get home from work, there are no kids there. Well, one cat who screams for food and attention but not really the same situation.
On top of the specialness of the weekend from my perspective, I got a tiny insight into what my sister friend’s life looks like. She is a superhero. No, not Captain America or Iron Man, but more powerful, with the strength of a polar bear and the heart of a lion. I am in awe of her, and all of the parents out there. Fighting the good fight. Being amazing.
So from Aunty Manana to all you moms out there, keep it up and when you need us, call on us… we are there.
Mar Tells Mini Tales 