I went to a new doctor today. I brought Thorin because I didn’t have childcare. It was a ten minute talking visit not a cringy-watch-your-mom-get-an-examination-visit.

The medical assistant asked, “Is he your grandson?”

That didn’t offend me I am old enough to be his grandmother.

“No I’m his mother.”

“Really??!!”

She was incredulous. That bothered me. As a medical assistant she must hear actual shocking things everyday

“How old is he?” she asked looking at me

I looked at Thorin, “How old are you?”

“Seben”, he said.

“Seven!” she said, “He’s so small!”

I wanted to ask her what isn’t shocking to her?

She smiled, “He seems good.”

I smiled, “He is good. Everyone who’s seben is good.”

Me and him

After she left I was glad she didn’t know he was adopted or that my husband was fourteen years younger than me.

The doctor came in. First she completely ignored the fact Thorin was in the room. Then she didn’t.

“You’re very patient”, she said looking at him.

That was harmless.

“How old is he?” she asked looking at me

I looked at Thorin, “How old are you?”

“Seben”, he said.

“Does he go to school?” she asked me

“He does”, I said.

“Is it a special school?” she asked

“You mean like the kind that has wizards and unicorns?” I said

Bottom line: I need a newer doctor.