With motherhood comes the unexpected longing for ‘The Answer’ to all things. It was in the first few months of Texas’ life that I began to understand the mystical holy-grail of new parenthood, the after-hours pediatric nurse.

She answers the phone 24-hours a day, she helps you identify rashes, walks you through make-shift bandages and helps you mix odd but effective concotions to ease tiny tummies and sore throats all at 2:00 am. I am convinced that she might even be able to guide me through minor surgery with a few well choosen words a flashlight and some gaff tape.

She is always there, she is always calm, she always has an answer, and she is covered by my insurance. Faceless after-hours nurse…I salute you!