Bella's Butterfly Kisses: It finally happened

Saturday, July 2, 2011

It finally happened

It finally happened! My husband and I were looking for new couches and the salesman asked me if I had any children. I have been anticipating being asked this question and even practiced how I would respond. I surprised myself at how I was able to say that I had one child. He continued to inquire and asked me what the gender was and I replied a girl. I was thinking that it would end there I was satisfied with my answer. Then he continued and asked how old she was. This question always fumbles me because she would have been almost 21 months but when she passed she was 18 months. I was not ready to divulge my story of her passing to a sales man that I had just met so I stated that she is 18 months old. He still continued saying that they are a handful at that age. I wanted to shout, I wish that I was experiencing the handful that toddlers can be but instead I am sitting and wondering what it would be like. But instead, I just nodded and said yes they are.

I did it and I did not cry. I was able answer the many questions about my daughter and not allow it to ruin my day. Instead I found that I was so proud of her and I loved talking about her. The problem is that I love talking to her in present tense. In my heart she is still alive and that is how I want it to stay.

2 comments:

michelle said...: Its such a hard question to answer, I always find my self pausing and fumbling with the answers. I'm glad that you handled it so well :); July 3, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Susan said...: Being pregnant, you get asked this a lot. Is it your first? What else do you have? How old is she? I've tried answering it every which way... lots of people apologise when you say your child has died - as though they should have known (telepathically) not to mention it! Both my new cleaners (we use a company which sends new ones occassioanlly) have asked after my daughter - her room is still in tact, bed sheets still on the bed - so I suppose it is a fair assumption.

You did well - you will find your way through, as we all do. And sometimes it will be eaiser than you expect, and other days harder. Wishing you strength and peace.

Isabella is a beauty - and you should mention your gorgeous daughter as often as you want xx; July 3, 2011 at 4:54 PM

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Group A Streptococcus: The Facts

(Information courtesy of Directors of Health Promotion and Education - http://www.dhpe.org/)

What is Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep)?
-a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin
-the letter "A" is in reference to the specific classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus
-in some cases Group Strep A might cause no symptoms of disease, while in others, it can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening
-it is spread by direct person-to-person contact
-can usually be treated with anti-biotics

What are the related infections?
-mild illnesses: strep throat or impetigo
-serious illnesses: scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, postpartum fever, wound infections, pneumonia

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-strep throat: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
-skin infections: red, weeping skin sores
-scarlet fever: the above symptoms plus a characteristic rash on the neck, chest, skin folds and inner thighs

Ocassionally, a more deadly strand of Group A Strep can bring on two rare, but severe diseases:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis
-often called the "flesh-eating disease"
-an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue
-occurs when the strain enters through an opening in the skin
-for unknown reasons, the strain becomes very aggressive, releases a toxin and destroys flesh and muscle

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever and sever pain, swelling, heat and redness at a wound site

Note: In Canada, 3-7 people per 1 000 000 are affected each year with necrotizing fasciitis, which is approximately 90-200 cases per year. 20-30% of these cases are fatal.

2. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
-causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure
-damages kidneys, liver and lungs
-toxin causes irreparable damage to tissue and organs

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever, dizziness and confusion
*this disease has no sign or symptom that make it distinctive from other illnesses

In all instances of Group A Strep infectiosn, symptoms will appear quickly, within 1-3 days.

What are some preventative measures?
-wash hands thoroughly and often
-ask your doctor for a throat culture for a sore throat paired with a fever
-keep wounds clean
-seek medical attention for infected wounds paired with a fever

How is Group A Strep contracted?
-the bacteria are carried in the discharges of the nose and throat of an infected person and/or in infected wounds or skin sores
-the bacteria spreads when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person
-the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes
Note: When an infected person is ill, the risk of contamination is the highest. People who are infected with no symptoms are much less contagious. Household items like cups, plates and toys do not play a significant role in the spread of Group A Strep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone.

What is the treatment for Group A Strep infection?
-various anti-biotics
-early treatment may limit the risk of death but does not prevent it in every case