Thank you to Two Writing Teachers
for hosting the Slice of Life
Facing fear...things we hear...
A long time ago-I think my daughter, Nattie, developed a fear of toilets after this incident occurred. Ever since she potty-trained she's always had the "fear of the flush" and today was no exception.
She's been sick with a cold the past few nights so we've been sleeping on the couches downstairs so the coughing, sneezing and nose-blowing don't wake the whole house. Of course, I don't mind being woke up-it's a signal that she's ok. It's so hard to see your children sick...
After last night's midnight rendezvous with the tissue box and some ibuprofen, I fell back to sleep pretty hard until about 2:30 when she woke up to go potty.
When she finished, she shook me by my foot to wake me up and scared the daylights out of me.
"Why did you wake me up?" I asked panting and shaking.
"Because I had to flush," she declared with honesty.
"Wait-what?"
"Mama, I had to flush and I didn't want to wake you up. But I was scared."
"Scared, Nattie?"
"Yes, a girl's got fears you know. I have fears and I have to face them even though I'm seven."
"Oh, so you wanted to face them with me and decided not to flush until I was awake?"
"Yes, mama."
Flush...
flick
"Goodnight mom."
Now she's gone back to sleep. I'm awake! Writing, slicing, reading and commenting...a win win...
Thank goodness I could stay home from work today.
Such real life adventures. Hope all of you get lots more sleep and feel better soon. Great job describing the lighter side of these mishaps.
ReplyDeleteShe is lucky to have you to face her fears together. We all have fears and it feels good when we can depend on dome one. Regards.
ReplyDeleteMy little sister had the "fear of the flush" when she was younger. She would go all the way downstairs to a different toilet whenever she needed to go in the middle of the night, even though the room we shared had an adjoining bathroom. I don't know what caused the fear, but she did eventually get over it. Thanks for sharing that perfect slice.
ReplyDeleteI bet we could create a great anthology about flushing fears. I know I could contribute some daughterly experiences. Hope you're both feeling better!
ReplyDeleteToday I wrote about never worrying alone -- she is doing exactly that. Facing her fears with a little help from a friend. I have boys - then never even thought to flush...
ReplyDeleteClare
What a delightful a slice story about Nattie, Amy. It's hard to believe that she is 7 now. When I started reading, I thought of my little grandbaby who at some time will engage in potty training. Right now (9 months old) she is content sitting in her diaper. Mommies are great comforters for helping their little loves face their fears.
ReplyDelete