Butterflies in my tummy is definitely the way to describe it. Today is there is a shot clinic at our pediatrician’s office and hopefully Mini Mister will be getting his pre-kindergarten booster shots. All four of them. Or as many as we can manage today.

I have very mixed personal feelings about immunizations all around. This is such a complex and touchy subject among parents for so many very good reasons. I feel most grumpy about the government telling me what I should and should not put in my child. I feel perfectly capable of making my own informed decisions about our bodies and really resent the intensely profit-driven relationship between our legislators and the drug company lobbyists. This isn’t to say if given the opportunity that I wouldn’t immunize. Maybe it is the inner independent in me that just doesn’t like being told what to do.

I am tremendously grateful that my children haven’t yet had any adverse reactions to these shots. I know that others who haven’t been so lucky.

Nevertheless, our state requires these shots as a prerequisite of kindergarten enrollment. And Mini Mister is due for four pricks.

For years anybody close by wearing a white lab coat induced monumental fits of physical struggling, tears, and screaming. So many invasive medical tests beginning at 4 months of age, and a forced daily medicine regimen, really scared the poor guy. Since his surgery, doctor visits with no pricks, catheters, IVs, or velcro straps, have gradually become less terrifying. I am really worried that the fear of all things medical will return with trauma of four shots.

I am worried about splitting up the shots into two session. Would that simply be dragging out the process? Am I right to separate the shots from his regular check-up appointment? Am I worrying too much about nothing? Will my son who has trouble with sensory processing anyway feel the entire incident is an insignificant drop in the bucket?

Parents you know how it is. You’d like to keep all harm, discomfort, embarrassment, and angst from your child for all time. We do the best that we can. Today, I’ll pray that God will lead me through this trial with a strong spirit and that I’ll be able to reassure Mini Mister that growing up has bumps and crazy turns, but in the end the smooth parts are to be thankful for.