Articles & Short Stories
"Star Wars" at the Doctors
Article from The Journal News (Click here for article in Word format)
COMMUNITY NEWS
June 11, 2005
Two weeks had gone by and still no relief. My itchy, watery eyes, the irritation and the constant sneezing had at first won the battle against seeking medical help.
Then in one episode of multiple heavy sneezes I pulled a muscle in my neck. No, I exclaimed out of frustration and upset. How crazy is this? I asked myself as another week passed and I made a call to my allergist.
The day of my appointment was busy as ever with my 6-year-old off to school, my 4-year-old had dance class to attend and my 2-year-old was along for the errands and ride. Dance was over as we headed back home from New City to eat lunch and prepare for my trip to the doctor.
My appointment was 12:15, and we arrived at noon. The children played nicely in the convenient toy area located in the waiting room while I filled out the paperwork.
People came and people went as I rubbed my itchy eyes and watched my children play. A half hour passed and someone who arrived only minutes ago was complaining about the wait and the receptionist put her ahead of me.
My 2 year old was in need of a diaper change as I asked the receptionist if I had time to my out to the car to change him
As we exited the office, walked down the corridor and into the main, building entrance my 2-year-old pulled away from me and headed toward the parking lot alone.
My daughter and I grabbed him just in time as I scolded him, pleading that he never do such a thing again and that "You scared Mommy,"
He replied. I love you Mommy,' as he hugged me and instantly the anger and worry disappeared.
More people entered and my patience was diminishing. I love my children and I can honestly say that most of the time they are well behaved, but suddenly, my 2 year old became possessed as he climbed the furniture, made crazy sounds and was literally bouncing off the walls.
At that moment my 4 year old joined in and suddenly "Jedi knights" arrived at the allergist.
She was Luke Skywalker and he was Darth Vader, of course, as the battle of good vs. evil took place in the waiting area. The realistic sounds of light sabers filled the air along with screams of injury as each battle wound was inflicted upon them.
People were covering their ears, giving me mean eyes, though one woman smiled kindly out of sympathy as I told her, They love Star Wars."
The hour and 20 minutes had done my children in, as well as myself as I began to laugh. Yes, I laughed. I laughed at my, chaotic trip to the allergist to obtain some relief. I laughed at how my kind, loving children had out of body experiences right before my eyes, as well as before a bunch of strangers.
I received my allergy medication, dropped my cash co-pay on the desk and carried my screaming 2-year old out of the office along with my suddenly very well behaved daughter.
As I helped my 2-year old into his car seat he instantly stopped crying and screaming.
"I like that doctors ... we go back?," he asked in his 2-year old way and once again I laugh.
To all the parents out threre who have experienced similar events and to those who have yet to, "May the force be with you".
The writer lives In The Lower Hudson Valley in Rockland County, New York