Mom's Warm Hugs: The Special Bond of Bathing

Have you ever been bathed by your mom growing up? In those early years, there are few moments as comforting and familiar as a mother's loving caress. From the tender age when you first began to understand the concept of independence, through the years when you became your own caregiver, the simple act of bathing can hold so much meaning.

The Early Days with Mom as Caregiver

I remember my mom being my primary caregiver, from the moment I was a little baby or child until I grew to be old enough to do it myself. Whether it was bath time, diaper changes, or feeding, she was always there. Through every stage of my childhood, my mom bathed me, especially when we were playing outside and got filthy. If the weather was warm, she'd hose us down in the garden; if it was colder, it was bath time before dinner.

A Shared Bathing Experience

Not long ago, my mom and I—and my aunts and cousins—went on holiday. On the day we were to check out, we woke up late, with just 10 minutes to complete the check-out process. Being 18 and my mom being 42, we had to shower together to ensure we left on time. It was an unusual but memorable moment in our lives.

Protecting a Vulnerable Child

My mom bathed me from the age I can remember, around 5 years old, to when I was 11 or 12. The reason was to prevent me from the sudden temperature changes that could trigger an epileptic fit. Epilepsy can be challenging, especially for children, because their brains are sensitive to temperature changes. My mom was concerned about cold showers and baths, as she had to ensure the water was just right. She also tested the bath water ourselves, since we didn't have electricity showers during the 1960s and had to adjust the temperature by the flow of water alone.

Learning to Swim and Stay Safe

Learning to swim was an important safety measure for me. Due to the risk of sudden temperature changes, I was not allowed to dive into the pool headfirst until I was around 10 or 11, but I soon learned to swim like a fish. Another motivation for learning to swim was so I could go fishing without an adult by my side. My parents made me practice getting out of the pool on my own, much like I would in a river or pond.

The Dangers of Epilepsy and Swimming

The dangers of epilepsy extend beyond just water temperature. Even swimming pools can be risky, as a sudden change from hot to cold water can trigger a fit. There were also times when I was not allowed to go fishing in navigation locks due to their vertical sides and the potential for drowning. I had to learn to get out of the lock on my own.

Although not a personal issue, it's important to note the tragic case of a young mother who left her child in the bath without realizing she didn't have a towel to dry him off. She returned to find the child had fallen into the full bath and drowned. The coroner recorded an 'accidental death by misadventure.' This serves as a reminder of the importance of constant supervision when a child is in the bathtub.

Over time, as I became more independent and body-conscious, I started to demand more privacy during bath time. This was a natural part of growing up and developing a sense of personal space. When I was very young, my mom would take care of my overnight medication right before bedtime, but by the time I was about 11, I felt the need to have some privacy. This transition was a subtle but significant moment in my life.

There was an infrequent period when my epilepsy suddenly ceased, only to return years later. I never got to the root of what triggered these episodes, but I believe it was due to the undue pressure and constant threat I faced from my line director at work. This experience taught me a lot about stress and its effects on health and well-being.

Today, the memories of those times spent in the bath with my mom are cherished and meaningful. They remind me of the love, care, and protectiveness that come from the bond of a mother and child.