Our Mom's Sick: My Medical Mayhem Explained From My Kids' Point of View

I speak pretty openly about all of my chronic conditions and how they continue to affect my emotions, my physical day-to-day activities, and my outlook on the future. Today, I thought I’d switch things up a bit and conduct a little interview with my two oldest allowing them to shed some light on their perspectives of this medical journey and how it has impacted us as a family unit.

I hope you will feel inspired, enlightened, and encouraged by Katey (age 8) and Dex (age 4) as they open up about the raw realities of life through their eyes. (I would have included our almost-2-year-old Gwyn but her answers would mostly include her love of food, puppies, and her current obsession with Spiderman).

Here we go . . .

ME: Describe Mommy’s “medical stuff” in your own word.

DEX: Mommy’s sick.

KATEY: You’re on crutches right now and you have brain issues. You have episodes and also fall to the ground sometimes.

ME: How does it make you feel that Mommy’s been sick?

DEX: Scared because I don’t like to see Mommy be sick.

KATEY: Sad and scared because sometimes you can’t play with us and have fun with us and I’m scared that you might have a bad episode when Dad’s not here.

ME: What are some changes that have been tough? Why?

DEX: It makes me sad when my Mommy’s sick.

KATEY: It’s hard to have to help take care of my siblings sometimes. Also, sometimes I have trouble sleeping.

ME: Even though this is tough stuff, especially for a kid, what are some of the things that have been good? Why?

DEX: Mommy’s home! It’s good because I like you and we get to play games.

KATEY: We get to spend more time with you. You’re my mom and it makes me happy that you’re home with me.

ME: What are some things you have learned through all of this?

DEX: To put my own shoes on and brush my teeth and clean up our toys.

KATEY: I have learned how to take care of you. Also, I am stronger than I thought I was.

ME: In what ways do you think the future will be different for our family?

DEX: God helps people.

KATEY: I will get more time with my mom!

ME: Do you think God has a purpose for everything our family is going through? What is it?

DEX: God will help us be kind.

KATEY: Yes, because it says in the Bible that God has a plan for everyone. I don’t know what that plan is but I think it will be good.

Life’s been hard these past few years, there’s no denying that. But I believe my sweet kiddos have grown bigger hearts for others and a deeper faith in God. And I’m with Dex & Katey on this one, God will help us to be kind and His plan for us is good.