I should let you know that before we left the house, Eli insisted on dressing himself in a shirt that Uncle Golden made that was three sizes to big with fading lettering. Dora, though dressed in a matching outfit with the baby, had spilled juice and pancake syrup down the front of her shirt. This gave the two of them a somewhat unkempt look. Eli insisted on wearing flip flops in spite of the 65 degree weather. Dora refused to let me comb her hair.
When we got to the Health Department, people politely smiled. I didn't speak Spanish so could not understand if anything was said about us. I saw three or four women with each child, and there I was, the only man with 3 kids.
They were helpful, Eli got 6 shots (he was behind) Emmy got 3. They did great, as Eli was crying I told him that we could go get a toy for being brave. I told him that I got a gift card to Target and he could pick out a toy.
I don't know if it was the fact that I was with three kids, on a weekday, and they assumed I was unemployed, or if it was the motley look of my kids, or if it was my reference to a gift card for toys, but when I want to pay, the lady at the desk looked at me, and asked for $10. When I explained I only had $8, and that I would have to go to the ATM if they did not take credit card, she pleasantly said "Oh, well $5 should cover it."
We must have looked Pathetic. I told her that I would be back in 4 weeks with repeat shots, and I would Pay extra next time. She politely smiled and said that wouldn't be necessary.
Never once did they ask what I do for work, or if my wife had a job.
Win: I got my kids up to date on shots!
Fail: I look unemployed when not in scrubs
Win: Eli and Emmy only cried for a second
We live in a pretty cool country.
Eli came down the stairs this morning and told me "both my arms are broken dad, they hurt real bad and I don't know why!?"
Whit, you are a super dad and super funny as well. Love Eli's conclusion that both his arms are broken! So glad you wrote this experience down!
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