Mom had three healthy children and a special one. Bubba began to grow into a clingy boy, always wanting to be cuddled by someone.
Mom would always involve Dad in every response from the Doctor when she went for a consultation. Bubba had a very beautiful smile since he was a baby, so she had to reduce her social engagement so she could support and guide him appropriately. She would also affirm him with healthy words while feeding him.
Benny the oldest daughter, would call out to Mom, please I need help with my knitting assignment. I need to submit it before I resume on Monday, Mom in reply… Okay! Will you help to babysit Bubba? While I help out with that…
No Mom!, Benny interrupted, “I need you to teach me, while I watch you. Were you not shown at school… ‘ She yelled out of the blue, Mom!! I miss you! We miss you! Ever since Bubba clocked two, you haven’t really been there again for us….. There are nights, I had questions and pressures from school. Days while Dad was away, which seems like always”.
Dad is a Marine Biologist who lives underwater. His job is to study oceanic life and research aquatic life. He cares for sick and injured sea creatures and monitors the everyday functions of marine life. Even when he is home, he is analyzing the collected specimens to report to the scientists. He was never present.
“Your Dad’s job is very demanding, He is always on the move, and traveling ‘Benny but you know it’s not that I don’t love you and your sisters…. My hands are full...” Split! Splash! Bubba, interrupted, as he spilled the food on the floor, while mom stepped away to discuss it with Benny.
Bubba! She ran to attend to him. Mom! It’s not nice, it’s always Bubba this! Bubba that! Can you just help me out? Benny hissed and slammed the door and went to the room sobbing. Her two sisters later met her and asked expectantly… Did she respond? No!, Said Benny, I told you! , they chorused as they moved to sleep on their beds.
It was a cold long night! Everyone was asleep. Bubba sleeps with mom on the same bed. He made sounds of snorting, it was like laboured breathing. He kept on flapping his legs like he was swimming. Mom jumped up anxiously! Bubba the great! What’s wrong? She called out in a loud voice…..Help! Help!
Benny rushed in, then went to get some water on a towel to dam his face. ‘Please get the phone Mom said, let me dial Dr Casmir”. This was Bubba’s doctor, who always recommended and followed up on his well-being.
She narrated everything on the phone, and was placing him in a comfortable and supported position, No! Let him inhale steam, Benny helped with the hot water. He inhaled and slept back peacefully.
The next morning happened to be Brenda’s birthday. Mom had forgotten to wish her a happy birthday. She rushed off to the hospital with Bubba before the sunshine. “Bubba has Orthopnea, which simply means shortness of breath while lying down. It’s one of the characteristics of his diagnosis, no need to panic, he will be fine. I will put you through the health maintenance and new sleep adjustment”. “Okay”, she said all teary. “Mom! Bubba will be fine!” Side Benny! She quickly whispered into her ears “Today is Brenda’s birthday”. “Oh mine! What a mother am I, No, I didn’t forget she said gently under her breath.
They left Dr. Casmir’s office, and she saw Brenda and Benita in the car waiting. She hugged Brenda so tight and kissed her, singing the happy birthday song.
They got, home, and Benny said, “Mom, let’s understand our brother. Help us to always be there for him. We love him too“. Mom felt such a large dose of pride in her daughter. she explained every detail in a way they could understand. They listened and chose duties on how to help their brother move forward.
Mom was super delighted and in awe of such cooperation among her young ladies. She noticed a good change when; she began to ask them questions. That was how she sustained and built a home of peace, harmony, unconditional love, and acceptance of everyone’s individuality.
