Pool Volunteering

Julia has been volunteering at our town pool's swim lessons these past two weeks, working as an aide to the swim instructors.  She is really enjoying working with the kids, and I love seeing how engaged she is with them.

She has her share of tough kids, too; those who refuse to participate or who don't pay attention.

Then there's this kid.

JULIA: (showing me a bite mark on her flesh) Some kid bit me!  He was just like, "I'm gonna eat you!" And chomped into my arm!

Today, after Julia was finished volunteering, she noticed a rash on her legs.  By the time we got home, the rash had spread to her arms as well.

Both kids jumped to the most logical conclusions.

MADELEINE: I blame the boy that bit you!
JULIA: I think I have leprosy.  Or the Black Death.  I'm gonna DIE.

To assuage Julia's fears, I took her in to the doctor so we could get a more realistic diagnosis.  Julia maintained her stance that she had leprosy, but the doctor concluded that she had a mild heat rash and suggested antihistamines.

When we got home, Madeleine had some good news for Julia.

MADELEINE: Julia!  You definitely do NOT have leprosy, because I looked at pictures and that's not what your rash looks like!

The rash went away after Julia took allergy medicine, so it seems like she dodged that leprosy bullet.  Here's hoping tomorrow is free of bite marks and rashes all together!