If Ever You Doubt What Your Real Job Is...

Last week Mrs B-D and I spent the day with our oldest at the new all-singing all-dancing Royal Alex.

Bless him, he has not been without his problems during his life, and had to endure his second operation under general anaesthetic.

The staff are absolutely fabulous at preparing both the child and parents, but nothing can really prepare you for the overwhelming emotion you feel as the anaesthetic goes in and your child just slips away from you.

Anyone who has had to watch this happen to their children will know exactly what I am talking about - I was strong and 'there' right until the moment he went out, then suddenly choked up and could hardly speak to the nurse as I fought the tears. A few minutes and a hug from Mrs B-D later I felt much better. I can't imagine how hard it must be for single parents to go through this - I wonder if the PCT have a programme of 'support people' who just sit with parents while the operation is taking place?

Then there is the reassurance that they need before and after. However boisterous they may be, there is something about operations that strips them down to their vulnerable selves - never will they need you quite so much.