Part 28

Dr. Reid said the expected. Jenny was doing fine. Recovering faster than anyone could have predicted. Should be out of ICU later today and then home in a day or two. All Charlotte could say was, "Thank God for small miracles," and mean it.

"And, you," inquired the doctor, "how are you?"

Charlotte could tell he already knew the answer to his own question. Still she replied, "Fine, just here for a bit of bed rest."

Dr. Reid's expression didn't let on that he knew any different and offered to check in on the progress of her bed rest. Charlotte giggled at the thought of a doctor checking up on bed rest. But maybe that is why this doctor is so successful?

Breaking into Charlotte's thoughts, Dr. Reid waved as he departed to finish his rounds.

"He seems nice enough," comment Angie, who was curling up with Charlotte's spare blanket.

"Yes, he does, and he's been very good with Jenny." Jenny, what was she going to do with her? Stuck on bed rest, with short field trips, would her daughter understand her absences, or would she attempt to throw the guilt around to anyone who would pick it up?

As if to read her friend's mind, Angie commented, "Sometimes you just have to leave that ball alone."

"Huh?"

"Sometimes you just have to let them stew in their own juices. If every time Jenny pitches a fit, because Sarah or Laverne gets two seconds more of your attention or time, and you bend over backwards for her, then that's what she'll continue to do."

Charlotte knew she was right, but knowing what's right and doing the right thing were two different things all together. Was there a step program for parenting lovable, but difficult children?

"Oh, Charlotte, the webs we weave."

She laughed, "You're not kidding."

The two woman remained silent, listening to the bells and alarms of hospital life ringing around them. For them, for this moment, all was calm, and using their 12 step skills they would claim this moment. Not taking it for granted, and keeping their short term goal of one more minute, then one more hour, then one more morning... in sight.