3 days and 3 nights in the local children's ward ( Jonah experience!) reminded me of the disasterous state of the nation's parenting ability. There were, on Simon's ward, a succession of toddlers with breathing difficulties (funny, none of the Dr's seemed concerned about what they were being fed on!) most of whom screamed and screamed until sick on being requried to breath in the chemical 'remedy' for their difficulties. In between times the parents were offering sweeties and incapable of getting their infants to eat worthwhile food. Comparing my experiences of hospital (at the age of 3 and 4!) to how things are now was dispriiting. Aren't we supposed to be more human now? At least nurses were able to look after you (straightening your bed, helping you to get a drink making sure you were washed etc) - now they 'don't have the time'. Being 'rushed off their feet' they can often be seen hanging round the nurses station passing the time of day with collegues. The anesthetist said that Simon would come back with some 'patient-controlled anasthesia' - he didn't. Not only that but though he was prescribed some pain relief had to ASK for it when he felt he couldn't stand the pain any longer. Once he asked and the nurse went away and forgot all about him! I wasn't there - otherwise I would have chased her up, I had gone home to see to Victoria for an hour.
One wonders what kind of parents this generation of children are going to turn into - the kind of junk food they are used to (addicted to maybe?) wont' make them healthy. The addiction to entertainment and incapacity to WAIT for anything without screaming and fussing and their insensitivity to others. It wasn't just toddlers in there - there were older children too. Actually, the mothers who showed sensitivity to the feelings of others also had children who showed sensitivity.
Last evenign I listened to 'Fatherhood' downloaded from www.Stannespub.com I recommend it - not just for fathers. I copied it for some of my boys - the plan is they will all listen to it. The interview with Jamie Soles was excellent. One contributor suggested that you only need ot see the way a man deals with his children to understand his fundamental concept of God. This idea was first introduced into my thinking when I read 'shepherding a child's heart' , it's revolutionary and very helpful in making changes.
I'm getting faster at doing sudoku puzzles - I spend a lot of time while sitting by the pump, doing them. I had hoped to read some more of Edward the 6th while in with Simon, but I just knitted instead - I needed to stay attentive for adjusting pillows, smoothing his brow etc . So the second week into the new term and all my plans are blasted out of the water - will have to try again next week when Simon will need a tight routine to head off tedium. Monday will be out - he has to go and get his leg plastered up. Wednesday will be out because I have to take Lucy back to Leicester - oh dear, next week isn't looking too good either....