The Colic Story
Dear Priscilla Bennett Friends,
I hope you’ve been enjoying the cooler weather before the heat returns. My daughter and grandson came over for a visit, and he still has a touch of colic where he tenses, pulls his little legs up and cries with what seems like stomach pains. We take turns walking around with him singing, rocking or putting him in a wind-up swing—movement and soft words seem to help—and then it passes.
From an early age, Katie’s mother told her over and over the story of when she was a baby. “We wanted you more than anything,” Katie’s mother said. “Yes, I even threw my back out trying to conceive you,” her father said and then laughed. The delivery was easy—natural with no complications—a healthy strong baby girl. Katie developed colic and according to her mother was “inconsolable.” “I couldn’t stop the crying, so I put you up on the top floor in the back room, out of ear shot, and you screamed yourself silly. One morning, the door bell rang and it was a next door neighbor.” Katie’s mother imitated him with a deep voice, “Lady, I work nights and have to sleep during the day. Can’t you keep her quiet just for a couple of hours until I get to sleep?” Katie’s mother laughed as she told Katie the story and continued. “The next day two women in tweed suits and fox tails around their necks said in unison, “If you don’t stop your baby from crying, we’re going to report you to the Child Protective Services.” Katie’s mother said, “Go right ahead,” and slammed the front door in their face. Katie couldn’t understand why her mother seemed so proud of what she’d done, why she thought it was funny, and why it hurt her each time she heard it, but Katie knew where her love came from—Nellie, the housekeeper who snuck up to the 5th floor back room and picked Katie up and held her over and over.
Thank you, my Priscilla Bennett Friends, for listening and for all your support for my cause. Please visit my website at www.priscillabennett.com and read this blog, make a comment, write your own story and get helpful information. Remember the Priscilla Bennett Pledge to help someone by starting a conversation, giving a kind word in the grocery store or parking lot—a touch on the shoulder or pat on the hand with a nice cup of tea. Remember that we all have SOMETHING TO BE BRAVE FOR.
Take good care of yourselves,
PRISCILLA BENNETT XOXO