The Rash
By Leigh Ann Falconer

I had prepared for weeks and the day had finally arrived: my first day teaching American Government at a large university. I had everything prepared: my syllabis, the textbook and my notes. I had dry-cleaned my suit and polished my shoes. I had found a clean, well-run daycare for my ten-month old son. I had packed the diaper bag with bottles, diapers, bibs, wipes, formula, baby food, pacifiers and extra clothes.

I was ready.

I dropped Austin off at the daycare and drove thirty minutes to the university. I congratulated myself on arranging my schedule so that I only had to be on campus three days a week and Austin could go to the daycare part-time. I was even early for my class.

Then the call came.

Austin, it appeared, had a strange rash on his leg. The conversation went something like this: 

Daycare Director: “Mrs. Falconer?” 
Me: “Yes?” 
Daycare Director: “Your son, Austin, has a strange rash and we need you to come get him right now.”
Me: (stunned silence)
Daycare Director: “Mrs. Falconer?”
Me: “Yes?”
Daycare Director: “Did you hear me?”
Me: “Yes. What kind of rash?”
Daycare Director: “We’re not sure. But our policy clearly states that no child with a strange rash can be at the center. When can we expect you?”
Me: “Uh … uh … about thirty minutes, I guess.”
Daycare Director: “Great. See you then.”

I began the long, hot walk to the very far away graduate student parking lot. The tears of frustration began to build before I even made it to the car and spilled out during the ride to get my son. “Why me?” I kept asking. “And why today of all days?” All the tension and frustration of this new stage of my life poured out of me. Life had been so simple and seemingly controllable before my son was born. Why was it so complicated now?

I later reflected on my reaction to those events that day. Life did go on, after all. My son’s rash turned out to be a minor skin irritation. I met with my class a few days later and was able to get through the semester without too many mishaps (and no more strange rashes). The experience showed me that I had some pretty major control issues. I was reminded, too, that life doesn’t always go the way you want it to go, no matter how well you’ve planned.

Now, after having a second child, I have learned to expect the unexpected. I am more relaxed, and I know life will go on even if my children have strange rashes, or colds or stomach viruses. In fact, I now believe that God puts children in our lives to remind us that we are not in control, and that we can learn to function that way, too.