I used to love playing follow-the-leader when I was little. My favourite part was getting the chance to be the leader, although I never insisted. I always waited my turn.
When I was a young adult I landed a job on a dude ranch, taking out trail rides. I loved horses; riding was my passion in life. Yet my first few experiences guiding a bunch of strangers on an equal number of 1,000 pound animals they couldn’t necessarily control, whilst on my own 1,000 pound animal, practically sitting backwards in the saddle so I could watch the aforementioned strangers was a bit nerve-wracking; for $2 an hour, how could I go wrong? Seriously, it was my favourite job to date. But I digress.
All my life I’ve been able to take or leave the role of leader. In most cases, unless I have no idea what I’m doing, I’m happy to take over if no one else wants to. Except when it comes to my kids. With them, it’s my way or the highway, and I don’t mean the kids directly. I’m talking about anyone who looks after them.
I’ve been disappointed by more doctors than I can mention, the most recent being the one who was filling in for our family doctor the day we went for our flu shots. I had mine done; when Alex’s turn came he said no, he didn’t want a needle. I offered to hold him down while they did it but they refused. It had something to do with the fact that he’s 15 years old… that he’s only 60 lbs and has the mentality of a six year old seemed to escape them. But whatever. It was decided we’d try in a few weeks since he was going for surgery (dental) and would be under a general anesthesia anyway. Only when I got there, the anesthesiologist refused to administer it. That was before Christmas.
Last week our family doctor’s office called me to follow up and make sure Alex had his shot. They were obviously expecting a “yes” and didn’t quite know what to say when I told them no, and then explained exactly what had to happen – I wanted another appointment and I needed them to insist he have the vaccination next time. After all, with his heart issues, the flu could kill him. The doctor’s secretary said she’d get back to me in a couple of days. She didn’t. In the meantime I made an appointment to see his pediatrician. Between us we came up with a plan. We’ll try the nasal spray vaccination at the pharmacy but if he puts up too much of a fuss I’ll bring it with me to the pediatrician’s office and they’ll hold him down. The entire process has taken two months so far.
As a “leader” in my family’s care, I am less than pleased. It won’t happen again next year. I’m not waiting my turn to be the leader anymore.
The “Leadership” prompt is brought to you by Tessa at Always A Writer. Please check out her blog and say hi!
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January 15, 2016 at 10:05 pm
http://finallyawriter.com/2016/01/15/just-jot-it-january-15th-leadership/
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January 15, 2016 at 9:42 pm
http://rhymeswithbug.com/2016/01/15/leadership
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January 15, 2016 at 7:42 pm
doctors are supposed to be advisers, not the boss
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January 22, 2016 at 9:27 am
Indeed.
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January 15, 2016 at 2:51 pm
I’ve not heard of inhaler vaccinations, that’s a cool idea.
Hope it all goes ok, all the best to Alex.
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January 22, 2016 at 9:29 am
Thanks. 🙂 I plan to go next week. Somehow, this one got away from me. 😛
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January 15, 2016 at 10:13 am
That is SO bizarre. I don’t understand why these things have happened. Do you feel like you’re in some sorta absurdist play?!?
Good luck getting his shot — oh how I wish I’d wished you that in October. I had no idea!
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January 22, 2016 at 9:37 am
Thanks, Joey. I still have yet to take Alex for his vaccination. I’m hearing rumours that the vaccine missed the mark this year and hasn’t done any good. I might not bother if that’s the case. Gotta look into it.
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January 22, 2016 at 9:40 am
Hm. That happened to Moo last year. The wrong strain took the lead and she got sick even though she’d had the shot. I hope he just stays well!
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January 22, 2016 at 9:51 am
Thanks, me too. Maybe they’ll come out with another shot…
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January 15, 2016 at 9:17 am
You know your children better than anyone Linda, and it is a shame that the doctors wouldn’t vaccinate him the first time leading to such a delay, not to mention hassle. I hope you mange to get it don for Alex soon 🙂
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January 22, 2016 at 9:57 am
It was certainly an annoyance, although now I’m hearing that the vaccination this year didn’t help. So it may have been all for nothing anyway. I’m going to do some research.
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January 22, 2016 at 11:12 am
Oh, what a nuisance. Apparently our flu jab this year was the right strain, for once! Hopefully, they all use the same one?!
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January 15, 2016 at 9:03 am
I can sympathize. I have seven doctors I routinely see including but not limited to infusions, bloodwork etc. Anytime the regular folks are absent chaos is the rule of the day. Here’s my link. http://johnwhowell.com/2016/01/15/friday-johnku-aka-tgif-jusjojan/
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January 22, 2016 at 7:25 pm
Hoo boy. That’s a lot of doctors. Best of luck with it, John!
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January 23, 2016 at 9:08 am
Thanks
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January 15, 2016 at 8:43 am
I’ve ridden horses as long as I can remember -and what is ironic is -I also worked for a hotel, taking customers out for rides. I still dream of those days.
http://www.fiddledeedeebooks.wordpress.com
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January 22, 2016 at 7:27 pm
So much fun, isn’t it?! 😀
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January 15, 2016 at 8:06 am
Those Mama Bear instincts always kick in when we need them. I’ve had to go to battle more than once over my kids, even as teens. Hope it all turns out for the best.
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January 22, 2016 at 7:34 pm
It sure does! Thanks very much, Van. 🙂
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January 15, 2016 at 6:44 am
I think you had the right approach. We try to be respectful and stay in our roles, after all the docs did go to medical school . I do the same with the hubby and his healthcare. I give the doctors a chance, but it never lasts long. Your a great mother, so I have no worries that this will be sorted in a jiffy.
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January 22, 2016 at 7:37 pm
In the end, we know ourselves best! Thanks very much, Tasha. 🙂
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January 15, 2016 at 5:00 am
https://cornerofconfessions.wordpress.com/2016/01/15/leadership-just-jot-it-jan-15th/
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January 15, 2016 at 4:38 am
I think you are doing the right thing. I have no idea what’s wrong with doctors nowadays but they seem to lose all common sense. I hope all goes well for all of you.
And you can relax now :-): my annual “We saw a snowflake in the Uk and we didn’t like it” is over 😉 https://justfoolingaroundwithbee.wordpress.com/2016/01/15/just-jot-it-january-15jan16/
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January 22, 2016 at 7:38 pm
Thanks, Bee. 🙂
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January 15, 2016 at 3:55 am
Linda you know your children better than any Dr! Be the leader in future.
I also admire you working with horses when you were so young I have to admit the scare me… You would of needed all your leadership skills to get me near one let alone on one. Great post as always. xx
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January 22, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Thanks so much, Willow. 🙂
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January 23, 2016 at 4:19 am
🙂
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January 15, 2016 at 2:52 am
Sorry to hear you had a tough time with the doctors, that must be incredibly frustrating. It does sound like you have great leadership skills though for resolving problems! KL ❤
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January 15, 2016 at 12:01 pm
Thanks, KL. 🙂 It is frustrating, but we’ll get through it. We always do.
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