String's Atkin's Journal (Please Comment)

[DoeWDW]

Dear Beth, I'm so sorry about Katie's injury! The school should have a procedure in place for what happens when a child needs medical attention. Does the teacher automatically go with the child while the director finds other staff to cover the class? Does the teacher follow the ambulance by car or ride IN the ambulance? How does the teacher get back to the school? This should be a written procedure that all staff are aware of, period. I find it inexcusable that Katie was sent ALONE in an ambulance to the ER! If that is their procedure, then all parents should be made aware of it up front BEFORE the need arises.

I am on the board of a non-profit child care center. This has made me wonder and I'll be asking the director about her procedures. By the way, she goes by Gina (to the parents), even though she has a Master's degree in early childhood development and is over 60 yrs. old. The kids must address all adults as Mr. or Mrs. or Miss.

I hope you are feeling better very soon! Enjoy the great feeling of being lighter after your haircut. My whole family has a standing appointment every 5 weeks - can't imagine how you can make it 4 months!

 

[lulu201]

to you, Beth. Yesterday sure was a tough one, wasn't it? I'm glad to hear that Katie is feeling better. Just the thought of her being alone and worried in an AMBULANCE would've put me at Lizzy's doorstep first thing this morning. I think you showed great control by waiting until the assigned meeting time.

Take care and let us know how you make out.

Erin

 

[Strings]

Well, I am back. Ok, so I shouldn't have ragged on the name Lizzy, but she signs her notes Elizabeth. Go by that or Liz. I was called Lizzy as a kid. I put a stop to it when I was 5. Lizzy apologized that Katie got hurt again. She will look into the playground situation. yada,yada, yada. I wasn't thrilled with her response. As for the ambulance ride, well a teacher is supposed to go, but they had 2 call ins so it wouldn't be safe for a teacher to leave the classrooms. I asked why she couldn't have covered the classroom while the teacher went with my child. Apparently, Lizzy was on a very important phone call, and had asked not to be disturbed. I got really pissed. I am not one that will yell when truly pissed. I get quiet and cold. I am also scary in that state. I stated that it is interesting that her priorities aren't the injured child's welfare, but a phone call. I am sure the person she was talking to qould have understood the interuption. I am dissappointed that the NEW director has her priorities so mixed up, and that the board needs to be made aware of the situation. Boy did she sit up at that point. I informed her that I would be writing a letter to each board member and OU's head of education's department to keep them appraised of the situation in the preschool. She is not happy with me. That is ok, I'm not happy with her. Ms. Stephanie told me she had been prepared to go with Katie, but Lizzy told her to stay put because of the low numbers. Steph asked why Lizzy couldn't take the class for 1/2 hour, and was told about the conferance call. I'm not doe with this. I will be writing those letter and sending them registered mail. Katie and I will hand deliver the one to the Dean's office. It is right upstairs from the preschool. At least the secretary will be able to see the black eye and stitches. It may make an impression. I will be civil, I promise.

Amanda, you asked about PG. She is in court appointed outpatient therapy. I don't know anything further. All is quiet at the moment, and I am glad for small favors.

On the plus side, I got a great haircut. I had about 4 inches taken off, and it looks great. Ok, I've gotta run.
Beth

 

[Lizzydoll73]

I can not believe she said she was on an important call so your 4YO had to go to the hospital ALONE. It sounds like your handling the situation very well because Lizzy would have been taking a ride ALONE to the hospital when I got done with her. I know my 4YO DD would have been so scared doing that. I am glad Katie is OK.

 

[Tera]

Beth - Doesn't that just make you so stinkin' made She obviously doesn't have her priorities straight. I'm glad your taking action so this doesn't happen to another poor kid. You tell Katie she is a brave little girl and I'm glad she's doing better.

 

[wilderness01]

Oh Beth I am so sorry for Katie. That director is a real piece of work huh? Shame on her and her lack of appropriate actions/misguided priorities. I'm sure you will handle this appropriately. She will now have to be held accountable for her actions or lack of. I hope you both are feeling better soon. Take care of both of you.

 

[sharoncity]

OMG Beth! A 4 yo alone in an amubulance?????? What is wrong with that woman? And don't they know the basic principles of child care - NEVER let the child out of sight. Certainly not to ride alone with strangers!!!!! My goodness, what might have happened? You are also fortunate that Katie is so familiar with ERs and Hospitals (lol, never thought you'd hear that one, huh?!) My 7 yo would be traumatized if he had to go alone in an ambulance!!! But Katie has been there enough, that it sounds as if she was okay. IMHO, that woman should be fired! A phone call is more important than an injured child who has to go to the hospital, ALONE!!!!!!!

Hang in there Beth. Definitely follow through with your letters and personal delivery. Ask if the Dean is around when you drop it off.

Take good care of yourself and get some rest. I hope it is nothing to serious for you. Healing just in case!

Don't worry about the exercise, it will be there when you feel better!!

Try to relax and have a good time tonight. You deserve it!! (And I don't think an alcoholic drink would be out of line after the week you've had!!)

TTFN- Sharon

 

[LAinSEA]

Beth:

2005 is starting to look more like a bad re-run of 2004. I'm so sorry Katie got hurt. The funny thing is that I'm sure she handled the ride to hospital in complete stride. Just another day at school or the mall. What an amazing little girl she is.

Please get some rest before your weekend at work and thanks for your support and encouragement to get me through my class.

-Laurie

 

[plutosmyfav]

Hi Beth, I posted this reply in my journal, but thought I'd copy and paste here in case you don't see it.

Beth—Have you ever heard of the book “The Sugar Addict’s Total Recovery Program”? I was an avid follower of Kathleen’s program for over a year. I have changed over to WW which is more realistic for me, BUT the point is, she goes into great depth of how food and stresses affect brain chemistry. According to her, you are probably feeling a huge beta-endorphin “let down” after the scare with Katie. Not to mention the cortisol (do I have the word right?) on top of the sugar/junk you ate in the ER. Be patient with yourself, kind to yourself and you’ll be right back on track.

Sundie

 

[Princess Michelle]

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[Strings]

Thanks for the support. You guys are the best.

Sundie, thanks for reminding me about the hormonal issues involved.

I did manage to stay OP yesterday. Dinner was fun. My friend Cathy is a teacher for autistic 4-5 year olds. She was appalled and had some great suggestions for me.I had grilled salmon, a garden salad without the croutons with about 1T ranch, and sauteed veggies. Everyone had dessert, but I had a cup of decafe. All in all, I did well. I also drank 6l of water.

Weigh in was 204. I am down a 1/2 pound. I am really surprised, and pleasantly so. Now I need to focus on getting to Onederland. I know I can do it!

I am still sick. In fact I have absolutely NO VOICE whatsoever. I have already called in for my shift tonight. Yes, you can pick yourselves up off the floor. I also dragged Won's butt out of bed early, so he can take Katie to school. I am going back to bed. I'll pick her up at noon. My parents are coming to get her at 3PM. She gets a sleepover and o see the children's theatre's rendition of Sleeping Beauty tomorrow. They will drop her off in the afternoon. I am taking the work thing day by day.


Ok, I am off to bed.

Have a great day,
Beth

 

[wilderness01]

Get better soon. Good for you that you are taking care of you and resting tonight instead of working. Push those fluids and continue to rest. Won can take care of dinner and Katie tonight. You take care of you.

 

[Lizzydoll73]

Feel better soon.

 

[Tera]

Hey Beth - Great job on that 1/2 pound!!!! I bet you can hit that Onerland pretty soon. Just stay focused and try and take care of yourself. I hope you feel better soon and can get some rest.

Have a good weekend!!

 

[Blueeyes101817]

hi beth--hope you feel better soon....i just caught up on your journal, im glad katie is okay....just rest alot today if you can!!

 

[CarolA]

Beth,
I can't believe they sent Katie to the ER alone. I am only a GS leader and we KNOW not to do that. (That's why we always have two adults!) I hope you send those letters! (I would consider sending one to the state agency in charge of child care regulations!)

Congrats on the weight loss!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Pleasant dreams

Get better real soon!!!!!



Sundie

 

[MelanieC]

Congrats on the 1/2 pound! Woo hoo!

I hope you get better soon!

 

[DoeWDW]

Beth, you're treating yourself so well! Get some rest - work can be someone else's problem for a change! Besides, there's no reason to go in and make all those patients even sicker!

Good for you for telling Won exactly what you expect of him! Make sure he knows dinner is HIS problem tonight. He should be waiting on you hand and foot - you are a WISH and a sick one at that!! Tell him if he doesn't take good care of you, all your WISH friends will pay him a little visit and straighten out his priorities!

Rest up, dear Beth. Sweet dreams.

 

[sharoncity]

WOO-HOO! Another .5 pound gone!! WTG Beth!! Slow but steady Beth, that is what is going to win the race!!! Onderland will be here before you know it!!!

Healing coming your way! I am so glad you called in for tonight. Have a nice cup of tea and REST! I hope you are feeling better soon!

Have a good weekend and take very good care of you!

TTFN- Sharon