scrambling

We have weathered our first childcare crisis this week, something I wasn't quite expecting my very first week of school, but there you go. The key word, after all, is unexpected.

My elderly Great Aunt Mae passed away, and my mother, who picks Nathaniel up from daycare in the morning while I'm in class, was suddenly on a plane to Minnesota instead. Great Aunt Mae, may she rest in peace, had been ill for quite some time. I admit to you that my first thought upon hearing the news was a terribly uncharitable one about her timing.

It became a very hectic few days here at Chez T. I called both of my sisters immediately. One of them was scheduled to work all week, but the other cheerfully volunteered her day off to pick him up on Thursday.

That took care of Thursday, but we still had Monday through Wednesday. We placed panicked calls to the only babysitter we've ever used, a reliable and quiet teenager whom Nathaniel adores. She could cover for us on Tuesday and Wednesday, but not on Monday.

I decided to miss class on Monday. I knew I would miss class to take care of Nathaniel this year, but I didn't think it would be so soon. However, Sunday evening after a walk with the dog, our neighbors (and good friends) stopped to chat. And what do you know, Monday was covered. Their seven-year-old daughter was thrilled at the chance to play big sister to a boy.

I'm glad I live near my family. I'm glad I am surrounded by friends who will jump to the rescue. I'm glad Nathaniel is an outgoing and friendly kid who viewed each new afternoon as an adventure. I'm glad when I returned home every day he crawled over and started babbling away with a smile.

That all having been said, I'm really glad tomorrow is my last day of class for the week.

Comments

[Kelly]

Hooray for you for making it through the week. I'm glad things worked out. Those panicky moments still occur for me and T is 14 years old. Having a network of people who are willing to help out is crucial, or at least was for me. Glad yours fell so neatly into place.

[JCA]

Damn, you go girl! It's stories like this that leave me cold on childbearing.

I'm glad I live near my family. I'm glad I am surrounded by friends who will jump to the rescue.

And I envy you.

[transmogriflaw]

Kelly, JCA: I suspect that this will be the first of many weeks in which I scramble. The network of people is crucial.

JCA, you'll make a network! Really, you will. There are mother's clubs and playgroups, and other working mothers. I've found that people really want to help, most of the time at least. It's a nice feeling.