The inevitable and unavoidable sadness of the MMR

Tomorrow is the day. We've put it off long enough. We signed the waivers at the doctor's office because we refused the shot.  We scheduled and canceled appointments. But we really can't wait any longer.  Pediatricians 'suggest' that the MMR shot should be given between 12-16 months.  Baby Zee is 21 months.  We tried to find a divided dose because we really just can't comprehend how one little body can handle these 3 ugly diseases at once: Measles, Mumps and Rubella.  The "informative" reading given to us about the MMR shot describes the medieval horror that should befall your child if you DON'T get the vaccination: Seizures, deafness, blindness, dull stares - seriously, the scare tactic is working on me.  But with all the new 'luggage' that comes with a child's vaccination schedule there are so many other things to worry about. And I'm a Class A Master Worrier.  I'm sorry baby Zee but I know it's got to be this way. You'll get through this. Your father and I survived our vaccinations and who knows what the hell was in those shots in the '70s.   But you hate shots. You hate the doctor's office. In fact you hate and scream at anyone remotely resembling a doctor. Or an office. So this will not be easy.  Fortunately for me, your Daddy has a great poker face hiding that huge breaking heart so he will take you. You know your Mommie only adds to your terror by sobbing herself, so I will hide in the bathroom at work promptly at 10:30am and say a thousand Hail Mary's and help you get through it.   I'm sorry I'm not more help.  Here I thought childbirth was supposed to be the most difficult.  It's not the pain you gave me then that is the worst, it's the pain I see you endure. And will endure the rest of your life - through vaccinations to skinned knees, to rejection and disappointment. I'll do everything I can to let you experience just enough to understand because you need to learn and grow and become the amazing person you are destined to be.  My little sweetness and light - stay strong and be brave.