I’ve spent the last hour with Emmett, trying to console him, unsuccessfully I might add.  He’s in a horrible place right now and has been screaming nonstop.

Between Gavin having been home and what is very likely the beginnings of another fever flare, Emmett is beside himself. I know that I don’t need to explain to most of you what it’s like to endure the constant screaming. 

What so difficult for me as a father is that there is no consoling him. 

Aside from either figuring out what he wants or why he’s upset, if that’s even possible, there’s very little that can be done. 

I let him know that I’m there and I just try and remain present, incase he needs me.  Sometimes I can even snuggle him while he screams.

I will be totally honest with you, this can be quite overwhelming and I can see how a person could snap, not that there’s any excuse for hurting a child.  I’m just saying that I can understand how a person could get to that place. 

Lizze and I have this understanding that when we feel that either one of us has had enough and needs to be removed from the situation, we tag each other out.

We give each other a reprieve so that we can regain our composure and otherwise collect ourselves.

The bottom line is that we’re all human.  Even the best parent in the world has limits and it’s important to recognize yours.

My heart breaks for Emmett and I would do anything to help him, anything.  That said, there are plenty of times that his screaming can push me to my limits and I simply can’t take anymore. 

I’m praying that tomorrow is a better day for him.  If he wakes up in the morning with a mouthful of soars, we know that he’s hit another flare up and this ride will last another 10 days or so.  If he wakes up in a better mood, perhaps he was just having a bad day. 

Time will tell.

Do you ever have to deal with the screaming? How do you cope?

This has been Emmett’s goto hiding place, as of late.  It’s kinda heartbreaking to see him there but if it makes him feel safe and no one is jumping on the trampoline, than who am I to say anything.