Jenna’s words haunt me every day, “Daddy, I woke with another headache.”
I knew this was more than a simple case of measles. My once lively Jenna was listless, her temperature high.
Day after day I sat by her hospital bed, my gloved hand holding hers afraid if I let go she would slip away. It was only measles. I didn’t know it could result in encephalitis.
One morning, I stirred on my bedside seat.
“Daddy, I’m hungry.”
Such simple words, such incredible joy.
Jenna doesn’t walk as well as before but she knows I’ll be there when she needs me, her hand in mine.
Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.
Ross's Writing Blog 
Sparks In Shadow
October 9, 2012 at 12:33
Another sweet one. I remember the joy of those words from my own girl after simple colds or flu.
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 13:33
Thanks for the comment.
While a teacher a number of years ago, I also worked as a child care worker in a hospital’s children’s ward. Sometimes we weren’t always so lucky with little ones but the many more successes always brought happiness.
Older Mum (@Older_Mum)
October 9, 2012 at 17:11
That was lovely!
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 13:34
Thanks for the comment and my apologies for the late reply.
Even when a student of mine was sick, I was worried until I hear they were well again.
Mrs TeePot (@TeePotTweets)
October 9, 2012 at 19:34
So beautifully written and *huge hugs* so very moving
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 13:35
Thanks for the comment.
When children recover from a serious illness, it reminds us how much we should treasure them.
lorrainefort
October 9, 2012 at 23:37
nicely done…so much pain and concern behind this simple image. nicely done. 🙂
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 15:14
Thanks for the comment.
I have known people who suffer this experience. I can remember one saying he never realised how unimportant issues once so important were when you have a seriously ill child.
Delft
October 12, 2012 at 21:40
A real journey, in so few words. And moving.
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 15:16
Thanks for the comment.
Any parent who has had a seriously ill child would know the feeling.
Rachael 'Honest' Blair
October 13, 2012 at 00:19
Beautifully written. This feels so real – is it a true story?
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 15:18
Thanks for the comment and my apologies for the delay in reply.
This wasn’t a specifically true story but I know some parents facing this battle and hoping their child recovers. Unfortunately their daughter has a more serious battle ahead.
DancingInTheRain
October 13, 2012 at 16:48
Excellent take. Well written and poignant. The father appears to still be affected by the trauma – do hope it’s not you.
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 15:19
Thanks for the comment.
I have never had this experience, thankfully, but I know those who have.
shadetheraven
October 15, 2012 at 02:06
Very real, and probably rather scary as well, when one has to rush their little ones to the hospital.
Very well done! Hope she is doing better now!
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 15:20
Thanks for the comment.
It would be frightening knowing your child is so ill yet you can do nothing but wait.
Jonesingafter40
October 15, 2012 at 06:30
Terrifying but touching story. Can feel the father’s worry and love for his daughter.
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 15:22
Thanks for the comment.
It would be very hard to face this and know you can only wait and see.
newpillowbook
October 16, 2012 at 14:02
We feel so helpless when our children are sick! And I wish the people who resist immunizing their children would at least inform themselves about the possible complications of measles…I once met a boy who, I was assured, had been perfectly normal before measles encephalitis. Never normal again.
Ross Mannell
October 30, 2012 at 15:25
Thanks for the comment.
Sad to say, I knew a 10 year old hospitalised for another complaint. Six month later the lively boy had become one of special needs due to the measles experience. This and similar cases with seriously ill children were encounters I had when working weekends as a child care worker in a hospital children’s ward. Luckily, the boy was a rare case.