Things that scare me

In between all of the moments that I am excited about getting Seth, fear creeps in now and then. I've heard some scary stories about the adoption trip over the past few months. One was the family that got quarantined due to the swine flu with their bio 3 children and one mother. 5 were quarantined in the designated Chinese quarantine hotels, and one, the Dad, testing positive for the swine flu, was sent to a Chinese hospital. A good time was not had by all, and they were held there for 7 days. It does not seem like a long time, but I can totally understand that it would feel like forever. This was the thing that helped me make up my mind to leave Maya home - safe, in Halifax with people that I trust. Better that than taking the chance of her in a Chinese hospital, possibly sick and having no control over her care.

Today I heard of a couple that adopted a 4 1/2 year old girl in mid July. The US has put in a rule that any child testing positive for TB is not allowed back in the US. Apparently this child was tested before the family traveled for her, but they were not told that she tested positive. now they are in the terrible position of having gone through the Chinese adoption, have a child and are not allowed to bring her home to the US. A nightmare indeed given the amount of time it takes for the medication to work. They may have to be there for months. With another child at home, and jobs they have to return to, what in the world do you do?

Scary stuff. Although, there is nothing easy about giving birth no matter which way you do it. I did not realize it, but a few women per year still die in childbirth here at the IWK hospital in Halifax- one of the best in Canada. One of my client's daughters was almost a statistic this past spring. Having children is not for the faint of heart!

However, what does not break us, makes us stronger. So, I'll concentrate on being excited now that I've vented my fearful thoughts!