A doctor was called for an emergency at the hospital and didn’t have anyone to leave her three kids with, but suddenly, she saw the garbageman and got an idea. She couldn’t believe her eyes when she returned home.
“Now? Are you sure Dr. Morris is not available?” I asked Nurse Carey on the phone, although I was already changing my clothes and thinking hard.
“No, Dr. Sanders. Dr. Morris is currently driving across state lines trying to get here. You live close by, so I thought I would call. The interns have no idea what they’re doing. I know it’s your day off, but I didn’t know what else to do. Will you be able to come?” Nurse Carey said, trying not to sound worried, but I knew they needed me.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. I just need to find a babysitter,” I replied and hung up, immediately dialing Vicky, who was the only person who could somewhat handle my three crazy kids.
I’ve been a surgeon for a long time, but I used to have my husband, Peter. My rock. He became a stay-at-home dad when the realities of having three children became too much. But he passed away from a sudden heart attack while I was in the middle of another surgery.
My entire house… wait, was this my house? It couldn’t be.
Now, I had to constantly find babysitters for the children when unexpected emergencies happened. I couldn’t handle them. I had no patience, and it was silly to think that any babysitter would be able to handle them either. Two babysitters quit after one day of work, and word got around that my kids Johnny, 9, Christie, 7, and Lucy, 3, were menaces.
I mean… they were not wrong. But they didn’t have to put me in this position. Now, only Vicky ever said yes. Usually, I paid through the roof for the local daycare center when I was scheduled regularly at work, but I couldn’t rush them in today. It was already noon on a Friday, and I would feel bad sending them.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“I’m sorry, Opal. I can’t babysit today. I’m sick and can barely move,” Vicky said when I called. I told her to get some rest and hung up the phone. I hated the staff at the hospital daycare, and they hated me in return. But I was out of ideas. I would have to wrangle with my children and go there.
But suddenly, I heard all the kids yelling, “Uncle Bob! Uncle Bob!”
I sighed. They didn’t have an uncle. The local garbageman was so friendly and sweet that they started calling him uncle as soon as they could speak. I had known him for over ten years, and my kids adored him.
Johnny opened the front door, and all my babies went outside to greet him. I might have to call the hospital, I thought. I was never going to get those kids back into the house to be dressed on time.
But I did smile at the sight of them playing with Bob. My kids had turned into devils when their father died. The therapist said it was normal and would pass, but I wasn’t so sure. I felt like a failure. Like my mothering instincts were faulty or something. I didn’t know what to do.
But as I watched the kids hug and ask Uncle Bob to play, I had an idea. “That’s it,” I told myself and ran to Bob.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Bob, I have a crazy request. I know you’re busy. But I was wondering if you would babysit my kids for 25 minutes. I have to check something urgent at the hospital, and I have no one else,” I begged, and my kids looked at me with wide eyes filled with happiness.
“Sure, Dr. Sanders. I can watch them for a while,” he replied, nodding and smiling. My children jumped and cheered.
“They’re more than a handful, though. I’m warning you,” I said sheepishly.
“Don’t worry. You go ahead. Your job is important,” he told me, and I ran off, hoping my house would not be entirely destroyed by the time I returned.
The situation took more than 25 minutes, as Dr. Morris got stuck in traffic, and the patient became even more urgent. I was rushed into an operating room, and I couldn’t get away until three hours later. I felt so bad for Bob, who obviously had his own work to finish.
I drove home as quickly as I could. “Bob! Bob! I’m sorry!” I yelled breathlessly as I opened my door, but I froze.
My entire house… wait, was this my house? It couldn’t be. My house was always littered with toys, crayons, paper, and sometimes smears of peanut butter. I know. Gross. Don’t judge me.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Dr. Sanders, how was your surgery? Everything alright?” Bob asked as he appeared from the hallway.
“What happened here? My house… is unrecognizable. And why aren’t the kids screaming and running around?” I asked, so confused and shocked.
“Lucy is napping, and Christie and Johnny are in their rooms, reading,” he told me, and I swear, my jaw hit the floor.
“What? Are you kidding me?”
“No, go see.”
I had to go, and my eyes couldn’t believe it either. But Bob had told me the truth. “How did you do this?”
“Oh, Dr. Sanders. I was a single father raising kids once. Mine were ten times worse than these three angels,” Bob laughed. “I taught them to pick up after themselves and narrated them fairy tales. Your kids ate that up. You might want to buy them more books.”
I nodded, starstruck. No one in my life had ever called my kids “angels,” and they had never been interested in the few books I got. “I can’t believe it,” I whispered.
“It was easy. But now I have to go,” Bob said, picking up his work jacket from the back of a chair.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pe
“Oh, yes. I’m so sorry about being late. I’m so embarrassed,” I said, touching my forehead. “I’ll pay you triple for that.”
“No. No. I don’t need money,” Bob shook his head, raising his hands.
“Please. For your time,” I insisted with my stern look. People at the hospital were afraid of that look, so I knew Bob would not be able to reject the money.
“Ok, I’ll treat the kids to something nice,” he laughed. “Goodbye, Dr. Sanders. Have a nice day!”
“Thank you!” I yelled out, exhausted.
***
My kids behaved for the rest of the day, and I almost cried. It was the best day ever.
So, I called Bob and offered him a full-time nanny job, tripling his current salary and adding more health benefits since I had connections at the hospital. He accepted in the end, and I was so thankful that I gave him a Christmas bonus and plane tickets to his family could visit Disneyland in California later that year.
6 Amazing Benefits of Burning bay Leaves
Bay leaves, a commonly used culinary herb known for its ability to impart flavor to various dishes, have been valued for their aromatic properties since ancient times. However, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that burning bay leaves can offer a wide range of benefits beyond their use in the kitchen. In this article, we will explore six remarkable advantages of burning bay leaves and how this simple practice can significantly enhance your well-being.
Aromatherapy and Relaxation:
Burning bay leaves releases a delightful and soothing aroma that can create a serene atmosphere in your home or workspace. This fragrance is associated with stress reduction, anxiety relief, and relaxation. Inhaling the scent of burning bay leaves has the potential to uplift your mood and promote a calming environment, making it an excellent addition to your self-care routine.
Improved Respiratory Health:
The smoke produced when burning bay leaves contains beneficial compounds like eucalyptol and linalool, known for their respiratory benefits. Inhaling these compounds can help relieve congestion, open up airways, and provide relief from respiratory conditions such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Burning bay leaves can be particularly helpful during the winter months when respiratory issues are common.
Natural Insect Repellent:
Bay leaves possess natural insect-repellent properties, making them valuable for keeping bothersome insects at bay. Burning bay leaves can effectively deter mosquitoes, flies, and other pests due to the presence of essential oils like eugenol and myrcene. Instead of using chemical-laden repellents, consider using bay leaves as an eco-friendly alternative to maintain an insect-free environment.
Enhanced Focus and Mental Clarity:
The aroma produced by burning bay leaves is believed to enhance mental clarity and concentration. This scent can help declutter your mind, improve focus, and boost cognitive function. If you find yourself dealing with mental fatigue or distractions, burning bay leaves can create an environment conducive to increased productivity and mental alertness.
Spiritual and Ritualistic Practices:
Burning bay leaves holds cultural and spiritual significance in various traditions. It is believed to purify the air, dispel negative energy, and promote spiritual well-being. The ritual of burning bay leaves can be incorporated into meditation, ceremonies, or rituals to create a sacred space, encourage introspection, and invite positive energies into your surroundings.
Natural Air Freshener:
Thanks to their delightful fragrance, burning bay leaves can serve as a natural air freshener, effectively eliminating unwelcome odors from your living space. Whether you’re dealing with cooking odors, stale air, or simply want to infuse your environment with an inviting aroma, burning bay leaves can neutralize unpleasant scents and leave behind a refreshing fragrance.
Precautions:
While burning bay leaves offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines. Ensure proper ventilation when burning bay leaves and keep a safe distance from flammable materials. Always supervise the burning leaves and never leave them unattended. Individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities should seek advice from a healthcare professional before engaging in bay leaf burning.
Burning bay leaves is a straightforward yet impactful ritual that can significantly enhance your overall well-being. From promoting relaxation and mental clarity to providing respiratory relief and acting as a natural insect deterrent, the benefits of burning bay leaves are diverse and plentiful. Incorporate this age-old tradition into your daily routine and experience the remarkable effects of this natural remedy. However, prioritize safety and seek professional advice when necessary. Embrace the aromatic and therapeutic qualities of bay leaves, and unlock a realm of advantages within the comfort of your home.
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