I’m totally one of those people who constantly feel the need to apologize for everything. It’s a curse. In all seriousness, my usual answer to almost anything starts with “sorry…”
Jack had his quarterly visit with the developmental psychologist yesterday. As we discussed the plethora of things we needed to cover, we started to discuss physical and occupational therapy.
I sucked in all the air out of the room and slowly began to explain…
I quit therapy.
I no longer take Jack there.
It was costing me far too much—not just in gas and co-pays, but in other things as well. Jack was constantly sick…which meant he was constantly at the pedi and on antibiotics. The time suck was just way too much for me to bear.
I’m not saying my theory is for everyone, but it is for me. I’m a registered nurse with an advanced degree who spent the past 5 years in the neurology field. I’m pretty sure that I am more than qualified to teach my own kid therapy.
So, I finished my elaborate, eloquent speech….and…nothing.
He just looked at me.
The corners of his eyes were smiling.
He asked me why in the world I would apologize for that! He agreed with me!
(Angels…singing…little cherubic choirs rejoice!)
I have spent a good 4 years being pigeon-holed in to believing that if I don’t “do” whatever it is that these physicians are saying to me, I will be doing a disservice to my child.
But, that’s not always true. And I’m not trying to tell any of you to up and quit therapy.
What I am trying to tell you is to never apologize for acknowledging that this life stresses you out. That it’s not easy. That a good day for us, would be the worst day ever for someone else.
Take “I’m sorry” out of your vocabulary–unless you really do need to apologize.
You will never be sorry for doing what (in your heart) you know is best for your child. In the end, that is what truly matters.