“Biscuit?” Vesta looked over the top of her glasses at Velma. They laughed together at the town teashop, where they’d met unplanned and Velma had shown Vesta her new brooch in the shape of a cat — which was now named Biscuit. Vesta was growing to love her funny new friend. They shared highlights from their trips to the city and vowed to meet for lunch if they happened to be there simultaneously again.
Vesta opened her package – a thank-you gift for her host, Jean. Velma hesitated, then “Well, it’s gorgeous of course. A little masculine for me, but really a lovely piece. I’m sure she’ll love it.”
Vesta’s turn to hesitate. “Um, it’s for Jean after all. Oh, uh, Jean is a man, a French man that I’ve…. known … for years. A dear friend and former colleague. Next time we’re all in New York I will introduce you; he’s lovely.” She felt her face warm just a little as she chattered, and saw that Velma noted the flush of pink. Vesta closed her eyes and squelched a laugh. Blushing at her age!
About AngelaLTodd
I am queen of the helicopter parents. But there are enough of us that we are becoming a social problem. Here’s my story.
Thing 1 was coming, they couldn’t stop him, it was only 24 weeks and 3 days. Someone asked: should we try to save him? Well, yes. Yes! Ten days later, a team of doctors closed the door behind us to explain brain bleeds, sepsis, meningitis. Shall we pull the plug? Well, no. No!
Babydaddy laid hands on him every day, massaged him when he was ready. For the three months he was in intensive care, and the three weeks at an intermediate hospital, I would get up in the night and pump breast milk, thinking about my baby across town. Babydaddy delivered it every morning, earning the name “milkman.” It was funny.
We had every therapy going for as long as possible: early intervention, the intermediate unit, private therapies. Terms multiplied: sensory processing dysfunction, sensory integration problems, orally defensive, auditory sensitivities, comprehensive developmental delay, cognitive function impairment, retinopathy of prematurity. He did occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, play therapy; we consulted with a neurologist, school psychologist, wraparound service provider, developmental specialist. He worked with an occupational therapist for a year and a half to tolerate teeth and hair brushing.
Not surprisingly, parenting didn’t feel natural. I learned to read to my baby watching Phyllis, our physical therapist. Voices, commentary, labeling colors, counting… she was very good! Merging professional research skills with my genetic propensity for silliness (mom was class clown, dad’s distantly related to Lucille Ball), my mothering style came together. Eventually. But I still channel Phyllis on occasion.
Thing 2 was full term. They are complete opposites; she is a sensory seeker with a wild sense of adventure and an inventive sense of fashion. Keeping them both busy and happy is an exasperating and sweet challenge. I still believe that every day can be fun and educational while reinforcing kids' boundaries. I’m on a mission to save us helicopter parents from ourselves. No more bubble wrapped kids and guilty parents. Let’s teach them coping skills. Let’s get fun.
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