Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

Can you tell from the images below who is sick? Actually, it’s the little boy in PJs.

My three-year-old son Michael was admitted into the children’s ward at our local hospital late one December. To the best of my recollection, his symptoms were mysterious, and his pediatrician wanted to have him tested and observed. I remember his bed was a large crib with slatted sides and a Plexiglas bubble on top to prevent any escapes. It seemed appropriate for the little rascal.

As Christmas got closer, all the parents, who had children in the ward, were notified they could take their little kiddos home for the holiday, EXCEPT US. Michael had to stay in the hospital during Christmas. The doctors were uncertain about his condition and didn’t want him to leave the hospital. The staff of nurses was very kind and gave us the direct phone number to the pediatric nurse’s station, which was right outside Michael’s door. We were sad Michael had to stay in the hospital and maybe a little relieved we had a direct line to the nurses on duty.

For the holiday, we had scheduled family to come over for dinner, and it was too late to cancel or make other plans. So on Christmas Day, everyone showed up for dinner, but all we could think about was Michael. As the afternoon wore on, we decided to call the nurse’s station, and maybe we could speak to Michael. Maybe he would like to hear from his parents and grandparents.

So we called. There was no answer at the direct line to the nurses on duty. There must be something wrong. We gave it a few minutes and called again. Again, no answer! What gives! Who the heck is taking care of Michael, the ONLY child in the ward.

I’m unsure how many times we called, but the phone was finally answered. Trying to remain calm, I had to ask why the phone at the nurse’s station had been unanswered for so long. There was a simple answer.

One of the wonderful nurses heard Michael singing in his room and alone. Soon the whole staff was in Michael’s hospital room singing a song he had been singing solo:

As Michael led the nurses in this joyful song at the top of their lungs, it’s no wonder they did not hear the phone ring.

At the time, I’m not sure why Michael was in the hospital at all. After speaking to Michael now, over four decades later, he says he was in for pneumonia. Who knew?