Chapter 23 - Griffin Learns to Leave the Room
My own problem persisted.
Hypervigilance.
After surgery I attended every appointment.
Every school meeting.
Every fever made my body remember Catherine.
If Elodie coughed at night:
I stood in doorway.
If heart rate monitor from follow-up watch beeped:
I panicked.
Cardiologist eventually said:
“She is doing well.”
I heard:
But maybe.
Therapist said:
“You are allowed to leave her with safe people.”
I knew.
Doing harder.
At eight, Elodie wanted sleepover with best friend.
I almost said no.
Why?
Heart.
The cardiologist had cleared normal activity.
Medication simple.
Emergency plan.
Friend’s parents responsible.
I called three times before 8 p.m.
Then Elodie texted from friend’s mother’s phone:
DAD STOP.
Humiliating.
I stopped.
She came home next morning alive and annoyed.
Bernice had been wrong to force independence.
I could also be wrong by preventing it.
The answer was not:
Keep Elodie in bed forever because someone once dragged her out.
It was:
Medical limits when needed.
Freedom when safe.
Child’s voice throughout.
Balance.
Hard.
May you like
Worth it.
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