This is a true story about a time I witnessed an emergency on board a flight from Orlando to Toronto.
I had a very unique vantage point. I was sitting in 26D.
After taking my seat, I noticed across the aisle a lovely family of three. Mother, Father and 11-month-old Baby. Instantly, I thought, great. I couldn’t help but interact with my new chubby little friend, who was having the time of his life and letting everybody on the plane know about it.
I quickly became chums with Mother and Father, both were beaming with that special light of pride and humility that comes with knowing you’re living the best moments of life. After all, they were gleaming after their first family vacation, cheerfully sharing with me their stories of sunshine, laughter, good food and special moments of frenetic spontaneity that naturally occur when traveling with a baby.
The plane began to reverse out of the terminal, on its slow path towards the runway. Two minutes until takeoff.
Then, it happened.
Baby had suddenly gone quiet. Still as a statue. What was he contemplating I thought? Then, a silent rip cut through the air. A tiny explosion of diarrhea and watery shit then ensued, trickling through his diaper, down his pants and onto the floor.
Mother and Father didn’t even blink.
Mother picked up Baby and rushed to the lavatory behind us, beginning to mitigate the damage to Baby’s outfit without compromising her own.
I glanced at my watch, thinking they had about 90 seconds, at best, until the pilot hits light speed on the runway. They’re definitely fucked.
I turned towards Father, who had already meticulously cleaned up the sludge with a set of wet wipes before tossing the pack to Mother. She snatched it out of the air with one hand while undressing Baby with the other.
Father rummaged through the diaper bag, pulling out a large zippy bag and tossing the dirty wipes into it. Swiftly, he’d take the poop-stained pants and shirt from Mother and stuffed them into the baggy, while simultaneously exchanging Baby’s new outfit to Mother. Long sleeve with matching pants, blue Dinos on white. Nice. My son had one similar.
Mother was clinical. Cleaning, diapering and changing Baby while standing and balancing everything in tight confines. Father was calm, collected and confident.
Before we reached the runway, all three of them were sitting in their seats, like nothing had happened.
Code Brown averted.
Father looked my way. We made eye contact, then burst into laughter.
The plane took off. Everyone made it home, squeaky clean.
The Dream Team
I’ve reflected on that story many times. It was rather astonishing. Based on my experiences working in pediatric urgent care, I’ve seen plenty of parents and babies melt down in much less frantic and pressure situations. I’ve also seen parents who are always cool as cucumbers and pass that energy to their progeny via mental osmosis.
What sets them apart? Many things. But few things are for certain. Mother and Father always adapt to the situation, and most importantly, they know their roles.
In the situation I witnessed, Mother played the alpha. Without hesitation, she knew what had to be done and got it done. Father turned bravo, supplementing and supporting while filling in the gaps where needed.
Parenting is a never-ending sequence of moments on the brink of chaos. In order for you and your partner to survive and thrive amidst the unpredictable, communication and chemistry are key. Both develop with time and turbulence. Fortunate for you, every day presents new situations and chances for you to practice playing a new role.
Over time, you and your partner will begin to notice and appreciate each others strengths, while covering up each other’s weaknesses. Patterns begin to emerge, certain routines begin to set in. Inevitably, you’ll realize that the price for success in the game of marriage is steeped in humility, empathy and a willingness to begin again.
It’s one of the many lessons I’ve enjoyed learning as a Husband and Father. I’m no where near perfect, I constantly fuck up, but I’ve realized the fact that life with my family gives me plenty of chances to make mistakes and make amends. Accidents happen. Emergencies are aplenty.
I’ve also realized it’s like this for all of us.
The truth is, we only have one decision to make.
Instead of panicking, overthinking, blowing things out of proportion and feeling the world cave in on us, we can steady our nerves, focus on taking the next logical steps, and most importantly, let go of our egos. When you figure that out and get it right, it’s magic. Everything gets better. Your relationship with your spouse, your kids, and your self-esteem. Just don’t forget to clean up that pile of shit, and do it with a smile.
Thanks for reading.
Much love.
SG
“PediatRx” is written by Dr. Shawn Gill, PharmD - a pharmacist and Father of two boys. During the day he works as a clinical pharmacist in family medicine and pediatrics, with a focus on deprescribing and helping his patients reduce their medication needs. At night, he writes this Substack. “PediatRx” is a collection of personal anecdotes and contemplative musings, crafted into a practical “prescription” for parents. The goal is to share insights, foster hope, and inspire fellow parents to raise and nurture resilient children in the modern world. To support this effort, subscribe above. Many thanks. SG
