Tonight on the news, i watched a story about the Serva family. It brought back some painful memories. I encourage everyone could take a minute to read this story.
I've been told that I'm a neurotic mom. Overprotective, overcautious and crazy. I've been told my blog topics are stupid and that no body will read them. Comments like this do not change how I feel.
I thought maybe If I explained my life a little bit, it might help people understand me a little better. So, here you go...
My name is Krystal. I'm 25 years old with 2 daughters. In March of 1992, just before I turned 6, my little sister Madison was born. She was in and out of Stony Brook hospital with several health issues. In 1995, shortly after her 3rd birthday, my mom was trying to get her to bed ( in our home) and the phone rang. Since Madison was crying so much, my mom took the call in the kitchen. I was only 9 years old but I remember this scary night. Madison, crying, dizzy, throwing up, was rushed to Stony Brook ER. They rushed her in and as those doors closed in front of me, that was the last I'd see of the somewhat normal, loud, bossy, but deeply loving little sister that I had once known. Fluid filled her brain and caused a lot of damage. She stopped breathing. Lucky for the current technology, she was able to survive on life support. Three years old, completely paralyzed, with a respirator and feeding tube, but still alive. My mother put her soul into caring for her baby. Madison spent some time in Stony Brook pediatric ICU, then was sent to Delaware for a summer to receive special care at a children's hospital. I spent that summer living with my grandma so my parents could be at my sister's side. After her time in Delaware, she came to live at home. My parents had a room renovated to fit her needs and learned what they needed to, to care for her. With 24 hour nursing, physical and speech therapy, teachers and my parents to fill in when needed, my sister's needs were met. Although my parents ended up divorcing, my mother never gave up. On December 29th, 2010, when Madison was 18, she caught a pneumonia that took her life. Now, having kids of my own, I will always have a severe fear of the same thing happening to them.
I hope this gives an awareness as to why I am so supporting of an organic lifestyle and so against this chemical world that is being created.
I dont understand why you have to defend yourself for being the best Mother you can possibly be? I am very proud of you. You are a great mother, wife and daugher in law. I could not ask for a better mother for my grandchildren or a better daughter in law for me! Love you xxooo
ReplyDeleteI agree. Poor Madison. You are doing a grape yob!
DeleteKrystal! Now that I'm crying, thought I'd let you know that I've read every post on your blog and that I think it's awesome. I love that you are trying to be the best possible mother, and I love who you are. I know that the experiences that we have in life shape us, and I think that Madison would be so proud of the lovely woman that you are. Your amazing! Plus, I need you to learn all of this stuff so that you can let me know what I'm doing wrong when I have kids... lol
ReplyDeleteahah Alex, you are funny. Krystal, whoever told you that about your blogs obviously has never read your blogs and /or knows nothing about blogs. They are interesting and this is not only based on life experience, but it is marketable content!
DeleteOh Krystal I don't understand how people could be so judgmental. I am also a mother that is neurotic. I couldn't even tell you how many time's I have taken my girl's to the ER. My sister, who happens to be an rn called me a crazy mom. Since I have called her about my kids after crying and freaking out.... Some say I'm like that due to fact Ashley had surgery on her leg at 14 month's. They are right, because I really understand how quickly thing's can go bad. That was the most scariest time of my life. I thank god everyday that my girl's are healthy. NO ONE should tell you how to raise your kids, or even comment on something you feel strongly about!!! When I seen Alexa for her birthday she was a sweet happy little girl, and that reflects the type of parent you are.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the positive feedback!
ReplyDeleteKrystal,
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to justify being a neurotic, overprotective, and overcautious mom. Nobody could be otherwise after living through what you experienced with Madison. I was there as an adult and it terrified me. You were just a young girl.
How could a basically healthy child, who I saw a few days before walking, talking and laughing, be suddenly so critically ill. Being kept alive by machines. I remember thinking this is a hospital, she'll be alright. I stood by her bed staring at her, praying she'd be alright. As days turned into weeks, weeks into months and months into years, we all realized she would never be alright.
You basically lost your sister that day, except physically. And you lost the innocence of childhood. The world became a scary place where people you love could be hurt. You and I both know from terrible circumstances that things can change in an instant. How could you not be frightened for your precious girls?
Nobody has the right to criticize you for doing everything in your power to protect your children and keep them as safe as you can. You're doing an amazing job and you should be very proud of yourself. I sure am. XOXO Laura