Air
There is nothing more frightening than to hear your two year old gasping for air after waking up from a nap. As usual, I arrive home from work after a long tiring day looking forward to a nice home cooked meal and a relaxing evening with my family. Caitlin was still napping, as Chris prepared dinner. Then we heard some noise coming from the bedroom, “She’s up,” Chris exclaims. “That’s not her, that’s the neighbor’s dog!” I retorted. After all, the noise I heard sounded like a barking noise. A few seconds later, I heard sobs. I quickly ran up the stairs and found her at the top of the stairs having difficulty breathing. My first thought was maybe she’s choking on something. Since her breaths were irregular and sporadic, I thought something might be blocking her airway. All those first aid classes as part of Pathfinders during my childhood quickly flashed into my mind. I proceeded to perform the Heimlich maneuver a few times. But nothing came out. That just made her cry all the more. At this point since she’s able to cry louder, she must be breathing, I concluded. She continued to gasp for air and make barking noises. A call to 911 was made, and in no time the ambulance had arrived. In the ambulance her breathing stabilized and her demeanor improved, even performing antics that made the paramedics laugh in the ambulance. At the hospital, the Doctor’s analysis was croup. A common condition in young children. Nothing to be alarmed about.
Although both Chris and I were calm during this whole ordeal, thoughts of possibly losing my 2 year old flashed in and out of my mind. Prayers were uttered.
Air is vital to survival. As a child, Caitlin already realizes this, as I saw her summon all her strength to take that next breath of air.
Prayer is the breath of our soul. Is my soul gasping for breath? Is yours?
