SLEEPING WITH TWO QUERUBIMS

by Earlie Doriman

MY TWO QUERUBIMS:
Thomas (on the left) and Matthew (on the right).
They both caught Chickenpox but are better now.
Thomas suffered blister infection and the traces of his
chickenpox are still obvious in this photo.

There is no happiest moment in a father’s life than to see his children growing, happy, content, and full of love.  My two sons provide a different kind of bliss and inspiration to my life. They make my existence more colourful and they added an exceptional meaning to fatherhood. That is why when something goes wrong with them, there is equally no immediate space to contain the worry that I could feel. As I have shared in my older post ‘Chickenpox and Intravenous Cannulation’, my wife and I went through a couple of horrendous weeks when they caught the chickenpox virus, one after another, which was made worst when my youngest son Thomas was eventually rushed to the hospital and stayed for four long days due to complications.

Their obsession of sunglasses never
discriminate the time of the day. 

But, thanks God they are both well although the traces of the crusted blisters are still visible in my little Thomas’ innocent face, at least they conquered the ordeal, actually we conquered the situation together. Their mum was most pleased and relieved that her two angels are back to their old selves again. God truly knows when things are destined to happen, and He wants them to happen at the right time. Thomas’ illness happened at the start of the Easter holidays, which means I am free to look after him since it is my school break and my wife had her annual leave from work. Simple miracles that deserve heartfelt acknowledgement.

Thomas Miguel, 17 months old.
A photo taken on Easter Sunday.

Their mum, being a nurse has a considerably unusual timetable. Sometimes she works very early in the morning and sometimes late in the day. There are even times that she has to work at night shift. Since the medical unit she serves with, operates round the clock, the staffs have to do round shifts too. These are the times when I have to look after my two sons alone at night, and send them to bed by myself.  We don’t have any house assistant, we do have a childminder few times in a week but that is only when managing our time is technically impossible.  To other fathers like me, they should know the many routines to do before sending the kids to bed: prepare their dinner, make sure to give them a wash, brush their teeth, change them to their sleeping clothes, put warm water to their milk bottles and see to it there is enough for the two hungry querubims, and many others.

Matthew Earl, 2 years 6 months.
Photo taken today April 26, 2011
at Manchester's
Trafford Center.Thomas was
 not allowed
 at the carousel

Thomas just enjoyed
watching his big bother's
carousel ride.

Normally, my eldest son Matthew who is now 2 years 6 months sleeps in his own room whilst Thomas who is 17 months stays with us. But at times when my wife is at night shift, Matthew and Thomas stay with me in the same room. It appears uncomplicated and it really is by the way. Sleeping with two angels provides a night of great sanctuary and comfort. Not until midnight or so when one of them or both start to ask for more milk or perhaps being awaken by the discomfort of a wet nappy or a dirty one. With eyes half open-half close and spirit half awake-half asleep, I could guide myself to the nappy box or to the bottle tray, grab what they demand and possibly continue my sound sleep with my two cherubs. It is not easy to send the two back to bed but I only tried the best I can. So far, it’s been a success and I know that I am not alone, someone is always there too. God gives these angels to us and I believe He looks after them when I am asleep.

Matthew with Daddy