Like father, like daughter

Way back in December 2007, when we knew there was a lesion in Steve's brain stem but we didn't know what it was, Steve was on a high dose of steroids. The hope was to reduce all the swelling.

Steve on lots of steroids was entertaining. The medicine exaggerated his love of talking. He talked a lot. Told borderline-inappropriate jokes to anyone who visited. Revealed lots of information. His filter totally disappeared, and none of the spouse techniques I'd developed over the years were effective in helping him regain the filter.

When the steroids stopped, the exaggerated qualities subsided.

Katie has been fighting ear infections for five weeks now. She hasn't been sleeping well. Last weekend she came down with a mean respiratory virus. On top of all that, she's been struggling with grief more than usual.

And on top of all that, she has taken oral steroids this week to reduce all the swelling in her ears, sinuses and throat.

Tired Katie on steroids isn't entertaining. Her grief is exaggerated. She's crying much more than usual. She's quicker tempered. She's difficult to calm down. None of the mom techniques I've developed over the years are effective in helping her regain her composure.

Tonight was the last dose of steroids, and I'm praying that the exaggerated qualities subside. Sweet Katie needs a break.