To the doctor... as a mother.

It doesn't matter that I know he needs them. It doesn't matter that I know in a few moments he'll be okay. It doesn't matter that they'll go quicker with two people doing them. It still hurts my heart to watch them giving him shots. It hurts to help them "hurt" him, by holding his hands. It hurts to hear him scream with pain, even if it lasts just a moment.

A glimpse of motherhood. Even though I put on a happy face and tell him he was brave, my heart stings. I wish it didn't hurt. Even though I get to be there to pick him up and comfort him, I wish he didn't hurt. Even though his tears are now dry, I hate to see him cry.

I suspect it doesn't get any easier to watch your children hurt, truly hurt. As a part of me, most literally, it seeps right into my heart. All is better now, but I still hate doctor visits! I still hate seeing my children cry from pain. It's a good thing I do know all I said before... otherwise, my kids wouldn't be immunized!