I come downstairs after grabbing a few hours sleep in between busy night shifts. I can hear Rose crying in frustration at once again trying to grab the key from the back door. I walk into the chaos in the kitchen. My husband is absorbed in the newspaper surrounded by the toddler carnage. Why is there breakfast still on the table? Why have the pots and pans been pulled out of the cupboards? Has she really got porridge still stuck on her forehead and what on earth is she wearing? Oh and why is she chewing hay from the barn?
I open my mouth to say something but hesitate and hold my tongue. I remember that it's his turn to look after Rose while I am in work mode. We do things differently- I'm the surgeon with the perfectionist streak wanting everything to be tidy and clean; he is the artist and is happy to let Rose run free and wild. I smile to myself.
"Family hug?" I pick up Rose and we all collapse on the sofa together in a warm embrace. A memory to take with me to work that night. Invaluable.
Lotte is a 33 year old general surgery registrar in the UK with an 18 month old daughter Rose and a non medical husband. She works full time.
I could have written this one! I've finally learned the value of finding joy in all the moments and appreciating the support I have which allows me to do the work I love!
ReplyDeleteA good lesson, whomever the caretaker is…as long as your child is healthy and happy with them, its best to let go our needs for perfection (not a surgeon, but I've got a mile-long perfectionist and control streak myself)
ReplyDeleteI am an OB/GYN resident, type A, perfectionist and Mother of 3. I loved reading this because I often have a VERY hard time holding my tongue when it comes to my perfectionist preferences. Hopefully, I can channel some of your patient and let me free spirited husband have more freedom, (and my kids for that matter)!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete