For Briggs and Gretchen

(Or, the Cost of Paying Attention)

Yesterday, I was at the hospital for my son, instead of me.

I have said this before because it is true. It is always harder to be the parent.
I will take being the patient every time. Every single time.

While his dad and I waited for his day surgery to wrap up, an elderly woman came up to the front desk. She was using a walker, moving slowly and carefully,…