Two summers ago on July 3rd, my 11 year old was complaining about a stomachache. We had been suffering in a heat wave, multiple days of 95 degree or higher temperatures, so I thought he was just dehydrated from not eating and drinking enough during the day. We were about to head to the lake to celebrate the 4th of July, but he insisted something wasn't right. Because it was hot, I proceeded to take him to the back yard and soaked him with the garden hose. That's what you do in a heatwave, right?
It wasn't long after we finally arrived at the lake when he started vomiting every 15 to 20 minutes. I still was convinced that this was a stomach bug that would pass, and our 4th of July party would go on as planned. Finally after 13 hours of vomiting and doubled over in pain he convinced me to take him to the ER. At 5:15 am on the 4th of July we were headed into surgery for appendicitis.
I will forever go down as the mother who sprayed my child with the garden hose to try to cure appendicitis.
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