I Had a Crush On My Kids’ Doctor. My Husband’s Reaction Meant Everything

My husband, Richard, observed me as I put on my makeup and styled my hair for an appointment with my daughters' doctor. He marveled at my full, blow-dried hairstyle, pink lipstick, and form-fitting clothing. He teased me playfully, saying, "Getting ready for your doctor crush. Looking good," and watched as I continued my routine.

Richard was not typically jealous, but he had noticed my preoccupation with someone other than him—specifically, the doctor who had been treating our children for their rare and different growth disorders. Our children had faced numerous medical challenges, and their doctors had become frequent companions during our hospital visits.

The stress of our children's health conditions took a toll on our marriage, but the doctor we had formed a crush on brought a glimmer of hope and happiness to our lives. Each time we met with him, I looked forward to our interactions, which were filled with laughter and lively conversation. Richard remained supportive, bearing the stress with good humor and managing our private life with a sense of normalcy.

I guarded our personal life, wary of others reducing our children to mere medical diagnoses. During lockdown, I even staged our dining room to impress the doctor on a telehealth appointment, as if he were in our home. My doctor crush provided a much-needed boost during the demanding journey of caring for our children, allowing me to persevere through the exhausting process of advocating for their medical needs.