Last night Charlie came down with Croup again. It is the third time in less than 2 years. It’s funny, but waking me from a sound sleep, I don’t always put together what is wrong and what I need to do as quickly as I think I should. Last night I estimate from the moment I heard the cries until the time I had figured out what was wrong and got him in the steaming shower was less than 5 minutes. Five minutes is an eternity when it comes to airway constriction, but since he is older, he has some extra space that allows him to get air even when he thinks he isn’t. The worst part for him at this age is the panic that comes from feeling like he can’t breathe and that can actually lead to his not being able to breathe. It seems paradoxical, but it’s true. I noticed last night that when I was able to get him to calm down, things went much better.
I was tired on my run this morning, but it was good to get out there and talk to another mom who understands. My plan called for 8, but at 8 I was just hitting my stride, so I went 9. My buddy asked if I felt ready for the marathon next week and I said “Yeah. I’ve had a good week this week. I’m ready.” Now I just hope I don’t get sick. The doctor said “Be careful. He is highly contagious until he has a good night.” I am obsessively washing my hands like a raccoon.
While staying by his side today ready to hold the pan whenever he needed me to, I watched “The Express”, an inspiring sports movie about Ernie Davis, the first black winner of the Heisman Trophy. Ernie paid obvious homage to those African American athletes who had gone before him and he felt the weight of those watching him. He knew he was inspiring and that he had to be. I thought of Katherine Switzer and how glad I was that she had run the Boston Marathon so I would get to. I love inspiring sports movies. And it’s time we get one about KT Switzer.
