Quinn had a little stomach bug on Tuesday after school and started vomitting. She went to bed early after having a few sips of Sprite and was up several times during the night getting a sip…fine, taking a gulp…throwing up. Wednesday she was taking small sips and resting well. By 4:40 that afternoon she didn’t want to drink and I could barely wake her. By 5:00 I was calling friends to have someone sit with Gage while I took Quinn to the Children’s ER (Thanks Linda, Kate and Grandma).

By 6:30 we were there and being checked in. Because of her kidney status she was moved to a treatment room quickly and within an hour an IV was started and labs drawn. After the ER doc called our nephrologist to discuss which Children’s Hospital Campus (we’re lucky, we have two here) she should be admitted to it was done. Our night and following day would be spent at the hospital (were home by Thursday night – that’s when Kathy took care of us because I was beyond passing out – but that’s not the point to this entry).

I brought a couple of things to get us through a few hours, but not a night and certainly the next day. And I certainly couldn’t prepare for ME CATCHING THE STOMACH BUG AND VOMITTING ALL NIGHT after Quinn’s addmission to our comfy 4th floor room. Who knew that Children’s Hospital would provide me a toothbrush and toothpaste – very helpful and appreciated by the way. It would have been nice to have been able to plan this dehyration episode WHEN MY HUSBAND -HER DADDY – was in town.

Even though I was sick, the event of being admitted to the Children’s Hospital was not lost on me. I had a little freak out session thinking about our future with Gage and Quinn and frequent hospital stays throughout the course of treatment and transplants and aftercare. It was if I was attending orientation. I learned where the ice machines and late night vending are located. I learned that they give parents clean sheets, pillows and a decent place to sleep on a pull out sofa bed, they provide toothbrushes and toothpaste. I learned that parents can order ROOM SERVICE for their children and for a nominal fee, for themselves as well and that the grilled cheese sandwhiches are yummy. I learned that there are ins and outs to parking cheaper, there’s free internet access 24/7 and schooling services for children needing to keep up with their studies.

I admitt it. It was difficult to stay only in the moment of the current medical crisis of dehydration and not look forward transplants X2. It was just a tiny little peak into the future. And it scared the crap out of me.