Monday, April 7, 2008

Who Do You Want to Answer the 3 AM Phone Call?

Why my husband of course. Just like he did Sunday morning, when the phone rang. We all hate those calls in the middle of the night because we know it's not somebody calling just to say "Hi, how 'ya doin'?" We all get the slightly panicky sick sensation in our stomachs as we brace ourselves for what we might have to hear. We all expect bad news.

So when our phone rang we both jumped from bed. Our bedroom phone wasn't in the holder. Does anyone ever put the phone back where it belongs? We stumble through the house to the kitchen to find the next closest phone. We finally locate it. My husband picks it up just in time for the line to click dead. We look at each other in a sleep induced stupor. "Check the caller ID" I said. He recites the number and we look at each other again. It's our daughter. One of our pregnant daughters. Now the panic sets in for real. He quickly hits redial and in a moment I hear him say, "You want me to come?" I grab for the closest chair as my knees suddenly feel weak. Then he says, "Oh, you want to talk to mom." And he hands me the phone. Somehow in that split second of time I realize if it were really bad news, she would have told her dad. But she wanted me. So that meant she must have a problem that needs a mama. I relax -slightly. And I take the phone. She is having pain in her lower right side. Pain that won't go away. "I just don't want anything to be wrong with the baby" she says. I can hear the tears in her voice. So I tell her what every mom would say. Go to the ER. And they did. Five hours later they go back home. She is okay. Baby is okay. They aren't really sure what is causing the pain but appendicitis is ruled out. Thank goodness. An ultrasound showed the baby moving and playing, oblivious to the chaos surrounding it's little secure world. Prescriptions are given for pain and a slightly elevated white blood cell count. They come to our house to spend the day, to have a good hot meal and a little TLC. We all are glad to be together and breathe prayers of gratitude that everything was normal again.

But the words keep replaying in my mind - "I just don't want anything to be wrong with the baby".

Honey, those words are going to be your mantra for the rest of your life.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, Robin! How true. And YOU don't want anything to be wrong with YOUR baby OR your grandbaby.

I think perhaps we never outgrow being mamas. And our children clearly never outgrow needing us that way.

I am glad that all is well. I know y'all will be keeping an eye on things. I'll say a prayer.

Dawn said...

Growing up in the parsonage, those middle of the night calls were part of our lives - and we've had our share in our marriage - HATE THEM!! Which daughter? The one who's due soon?

Thank the Lord all is well. Sema had her appendix taken out for no reason - it was perfectly healthy. I'm glad they didn't do that!

Mrs. Julie Fink said...

So true and so glad that everything is all right.

Karen said...

I'm so glad everything is alright. I think I held my breath until the end of your post.

gail@more than a song said...

I'm so glad everything is ok! Those middle of the night calls are not fun. I loved what you said at the end, so SO true! It is hard to quit being a mama.

Robert said...

Amen to your, "those words are going to be your mantra for the rest of your life" statement. Having just started the parenthood journey myself, I know just what you mean. I'm glad all is well.

Myrna said...

Thank you for your gracious comment at my place. Mentor! Goodness! I'm just a sinner saved by grace--stumbling through--strength to strength! You are sweet!

Your daughter is learning to be a mama. She has a great mentor in you!

We never outgrow the mothering--I have a grandchild with me today because he was running a fever. Now I can be the go-to person for such times. We've had a quiet, sweet day together. Grandmama is the best job! I know you will love it!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Oh how sweet. And I had to smile at the thought of the baby playing obliviously to everything around it. If that isn't a typical kid thing, I don't know what is!

GiBee said...

You are so right! That will be her mantra for the rest of her life!

Judy said...

Phew! Who? Which baby? So relieved that all is well...

Nicole - Life in Progress said...

Isn't that the truth. My girls are four and one & I already know this worry will never go away.

So glad everything looks okay. God bless!

Julianne said...

I hate those middle of the night phone calls too. It's never good news. I'm glad everything is ok. I also am familiar with the "I just don't want anything to be wrong with the baby" statement. I am just beginning to learn the depth of meaning in that!

Barb said...

You know, this is weird, Robin. Just last night I lay in my bed, with a phone on the bedside table, and thought how blessed I am it never rings in the middle of the night lately. Those are never ever good calls. Heart stopping, actually.

I'm glad all is well with her and the baby. And I know it warms your heart that she needed her mama.

Mishel said...

I *do not* like those early morning phone calls--they make my heart nearly stop. But I'm very thankful everything is well...

And I love the new look of your blog! : )