I Have No Time

I have no time Melinda argues You need to take time for you, we tell her. I am way to busy! She shrieks. She is on her own last nerve. We see it. One aunt says she will watch the two-year-old twins. A great-grandma offers to take the new baby home for the day. Grandma wants to do her laundry. We are all rebuffed. Melinda is the only one who can do any of that. She is frazzled, frenzied, and frantic. We have seen postpartum before. You really need to take some time for yourself we tell her. A doctor’s visit might be in the works. I am too busy! Melinda argues. “I cannot see a doctor!” We are at a loss. We cannot force a grown woman to take time for herself. To relax, take a bath, play soft music. Sadly, her entire family is suffering now.