I Think That Girl Is Sick

October 2, 2008 (2nd post of the day)

I forgot to mention a moment we had at the zoo.  We were looking at the ring-tailed lemurs and visiting with a mom who had three children--a pre-school boy and a a couple of little girls, probably kindergarten and first grade.  We had exchanged pleasantries and learned some trivial things about their family.  Erin turned her attention to getting the details from the signage, and I started mentally drifting, completely enjoying the lovely afternoon and our liberation from clinic. 

My ear perked up when the oldest girl said something to the mom like, "I think that girl is sick."  I looked over at Erin, who had shed her hat in an attempt to let the sun filtering through the trees do something about her very white pate.  I thought, "uh oh.  What's the mom going to say?"  The mom looked uncomfortable and searched for the right words.  Before she had formed any words, the girl piped up again, "Does she have chicken pox or something?"  The mom's expression changed from uncomfortable to confused.  The girl followed up, "Aren't those chicken pox all over her face?"  The mom's face brighten, "No, Bella.  She's not sick.  Those are freckles.  Sometimes angels kiss people and leave freckles."

I'm not sure what that comment teaches Bella about healthcare, but it was a profound lesson for us all.