Being a parent to a medically complex child can feel so isolating. I have written about the various supports systems I have been fortunate to have in this unique subset of parenting. But there’s one special group I hold especially close, people who might easily go unnoticed if I didn’t pause to acknowledge just how much they mean to me. I call them my waiting room friends, and I’m endlessly grateful for them.
These are the people you see in the waiting rooms, some sitting with their kids while you are with yours. There is a special bond that happens, some solidarity, and understanding because you are in the same place for similar reasons. Even though your exact life looks a little different, there are so many things about this waiting room life that is so relatable. We are there for each other to make small talk that calms nerves and to celebrate little (and big accomplishments) you watch from across the room.
These friendships don’t even have to leave the office, but when they go beyond the medical office doors, it is something special. Not even just for me, but for my son too. Seeing therapy friends at school makes my little boy feel comfortable in a sometimes stressful setting. Having therapy friends come to birthday parties and life events adds an extra dash of something special.
So to these special people I want to say:
THANK YOU! Thank you for being there, whether you know it or not, your presence makes a big difference in our lives. I have loved watching our kids take strides and improves together. Thank you for noticing when we miss a session and for expressing concern. Thank you for being grateful for my son; I know he is grateful for you! Know that my son is so motivated by showing your kids what he can do; they are such a motivation to him.
Even if you have moved away, graduated, or changed appointment times, know that we still think about you and hope you and your kids are doing well. I don’t often thank social media, but in this moment I am grateful we have stayed in contact.
You all have truly been a calming force in our hectic days. I really couldn’t thank you enough. I hope I can be that for you. Please don’t ever feel like you will overload me. You have made space in your life for me and there is always enough space for you!
Much love always!
A side note: I debated writing this post for a while. I know this won’t resonate with everyone — waiting room friends might look more like work friends, gym friends, or carpool crew for some. It’s one of those ‘if you know, you know’ situations. But something happened on the day I needed to write this post that solidified how important these people are to us.
This summer has been filled with appointments focused on my son’s care. This includes taking multiple four-hour trips out of state to a children’s hospital with a clinic specializing in my son’s diagnosis. This particular visit was already stressful. This summer has truly worn me out, more than I can describe. Coming off of a night in which I got no sleep, we made our way to the hospital and sat in the waiting room where we met with one of the sweetest little girls.
You would’ve thought her favorite person had just walked in with how excited she was to see my boy!
She immediately asked if he wanted to play. The whole time, she asked him questions and happily answered ours. She encouraged him with every move he made and listened intently to everything he said. We were able to say goodbye to her on our way out. Will we ever see her again? I’m not sure.
But what I do know is that, for those moments in the waiting room, the stress disappeared. The sleepless night before didn’t matter. That time in the waiting room was fun. They played, smiled, and laughed, and in the end, that’s really all that mattered.
