Of Motherhood and Gratitude

Since June, I was contemplating on what to do to mark another year of freelance writing. Planned on throwing my first blog getaway for you dear readers or treat myself to a solo trip. After all, I will be turning 6 this month as a freelance writer. I have paid my dues and I am extremely satisfied of my hard work.

Then last Tuesday, our pediatrician advised to have my second child, Liam, for a hospital stay after seeing initial result of his X-ray taken a day before after our check-up.

Liam was sick since Friday with fever and he had a very bad cough. I was in denial because of my two boys, Liam is the “healthy” one – exclusively breastfed for 6 months and he never had fever for more than 24 hours.

No full-time help, with my husband working out of town, I was alone but not complaining- there is no reason. As long as  we can provide the best medical care to my child, I’m fine.

Went home, packed our bags, planned on Aki’s ( my eldest) schedule while I’m away at the hospital, and spent an hour conditioning Liam on what to expect for a hospital stay. My fear was Liam screaming as nurses complete all tests and procedures. Thanks to Google for giving me cute images of children in the hospital.

Liam was physically fine that day, he walked with me around the hospital, processing his admission and all those stuff but his eyes were weary and his voice gloomy.

Taken after his IV insertion, blood test and skin test. Not a single tear, thus, explaining my smile. You’re a trouper Liam!

liam hospital

 

Nebulizer at the emergency room.

liam 2

 

Whenever my kids get sick, I’m always reminded on how I became a freelance writer. That 6 years ago, I prayed what I thought an impossible thing to ask – to spend more time with my son yet still earn money. So here I am, an epiphany that what I should be doing for my 6th anniversary working at home is to remain that gratitude in my heart.

It is not just the gratitude to earn while at home, but to find the thing what I really like to do. I believe that you will naturally excel if you love what you do.  Never in my consciousness that it occurred that I will make a living with words and images.

After 6 days in the hospital due to bronchopneumonia, Liam finally went home and my heart was full of thankfulness to other moms who helped me with my eldest child, Akira – buying school requirements to reaching out to watch over him. It’s a wonderful feeling that fellow moms show their support.

liam3

 

Those days staying at the hospital was a reminder to be thankful each day to have the financial means to be with the kids. To be thankful of the people around you.

I don’t earn that much but it’s okay. Someday, my kids will have their own appointments but while they are little, I just want to be with them.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

XoXo,

Valerie

 

 

 

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