Before I get into this: if you believe we can build a country where taking care of your family doesn’t have to come with fear about whether you can afford it, please subscribe, like, and share this piece.
I think of alll the truth you said here,there are many many children whose parents don’t get the opportunity to even have a pay plan for Dr visits/ needed surgeries. Those parents are too afraid to even go to a clinic.💔It Should Not Be That Way In America!🇺🇸 There is plenty of $$$ to Waste?then there IS $$$$ to have Free Healthcare for all children!and their parents!
You are such a powerful example of what it means to be a man in 2026. NOT the perverted, Hegseth, hyper macho covering up insecurity and self loathing version. NOT the grinning jack-o-lantern of evil and narcissism while feigning good Christian values version. Instead you are the perfectly imperfect, honest to the core, intelligently observant, courageously vulnerable man version. A father. A husband. A man who's not afraid to speak out against the unspeakable things happening in our country today. I don't like using platitudes, but I'm reduced here to using one: you truly go beyond talking the talk by setting an example for all of us about how - when it's painful to even contemplate what's coming next - to nonetheless walk the walk. And for that I thank you most sincerely. (And please do let us know after your son has had his successful surgery and is eating ice chips and popsicles in recovery).
Hey Mike! Yes, your son will be fine 💞 You & your wife are feeling the weight of parenting. It feels this heavy because it's so valuable, and you're doing it to your best ability. Bless your graciousness in reflecting on your own advantages and realizing not everyone has the same.
I was in that hospital bed in August 60-some years ago (well, one sort of like it - less tech, much more primitive anesthesia...) and I'm here today to pass along two words for later: ice cream. As in: all he wants (but no nuts or chips in it!)
When I was going to have my tonsils out 68 years ago, my mother told me I could have all the ice cream I wanted when it was over. When I woke up, she told me the doctors said all I could have was ice chips. Dairy, she was told, would cause mucus. If Mike's boy is drinking yogurt, he should be fine with ice cream.
The reason I had them out was the same as Mike's son's. I'd had one strep infection after another from the time I was 18 months old. The surgery had been scheduled and rescheduled, but every time, I got another strep throat and it had to be postponed. Losing the tonsils took care of that problem: I have not had a single strep throat since my tonsillectomy! So Mike, your boy should be feeling a lot better now that he's rid of the strep reservoirs in his throat. You and he have my best wishes.
Hi Mike. Thanks for the heartfelt story. All of us with kids or vulnerable elders, or just people we love who have health issues, have the right to the peace of mind that comes with health coverage. It should not depend on income, job status or prior illnesses, as it did not so many years ago. Health is the foundation for everything we aspire to achieve. A human right it's time we recognize.
You are 100% correct Mike, as a nasty and proud Canadian I'm so happy that is one worry we don't have, sure everything is more expensive and Trump has a hard on about our country because PM Carney won't bow to him but not having to worry about Healthcare is a great relief. A country like the US should not put it's people in that bind, give them damn free Healthcare. Spoil your son with ice cream, popsicles and anything that will smooth his sore throat. I'm 71 and still have my tonsils.
Hi Mike, I can only imagine the emotions you're feeling. I can relate to the feeling of worrying about insurance coverage. I had surgery several years ago and was concerned about the coverage and fortunately my insurance covered it. I'm sure your son will be feeling better in not too long.
In the UK we have the NHS, an organisation which we all complain about. Long waiting times, excessive waste etc, etc. one thing we never have to worry about is the cost. Which I guess makes us, along with the rest of the developed, communists. At least to some twisted definitions.
If you don't like the NHS you can always have private health care. But your taxes still pay for the NHS.
Agree with you completely. Medicare for all because we all deserve a foundation to build on and healthcare shouldn’t be something you avoid because it can bankrupt you. Wishing you and your son a speedy recovery on your surgeries.
Both of my children had their tonsils out due to recurring strep infections. I know exactly the feelings of fear and helplessness you are experiencing, waiting for the surgery to be over so you can hug your son. He will be fine, but I have never forgotten those feelings. I had good health care and it was still a traumatic experience. I cannot understand how the people in charge today can inflict such pain on other people and have no conscience about it. It brings tears to my eyes just to think about what people are going through every day in this cruel administration. There is no justification for the pain they are intentionally inflicting and we can't get them out of office soon enough. Hang in there. You are helping to keep the rest of us going.
The "people in charge," for the most part, grew up wealthy and remain so. They've never skipped meals so their children could have what food was left in the house. They've never had to worry whether their health insurance would cover a claim, because they can afford to pay for any health care they need out of pocket. They have no concept of what it's like living from paycheck to paycheck, hoping no one gets sick or the car doesn't break down because they can't afford to fix it. And they blame the people working two or three minimum-wage jobs and barely scraping by for being poor. You're right -- the people in charge -- especially those on the right -- have no conscience, because they lack empathy or compassion and have no sense of responsibility toward their fellow human beings. Their attitude is, "I'm doing fine. if you can't make it on your own, that's not my problem."
I’m a Canadian who emigrated to the USA several decades ago but I still remember what it was like to never have to worry about health insurance. There were no copayments, deductibles, or insurance company refusals. If you lost or quit your job, healthcare was still in place. Most importantly, if you got sick and couldn’t work, you wouldn’t lose your health insurance when you needed it most. We farmed and were self employed and always had healthcare. Many Americans don’t realize what they are giving up in having for profit healthcare. Thanks Mike for putting a human face to the reality here!
I am on the ACA. I pay $235 a month, but it covers nothing until I've spent $7500 out-of-pocket. So basically, right now I'd spend $10,320 to access health care. My annual average earnings are $35K before taxes. Thank god it's only me and I don't have a family. I can't wait until next March when I'll qualify for Medicare. Also, I too had the surgery but insurance doesn't cover skin removal unless I get serious infections. It doesn't matter that all that extra skin sags to gravity putting extra pressure on my aging joints.
Well stated. It is a sad/pathetic state this country is in. There is no excuse - there is only greed!!! Thanks for all you do.
I think of alll the truth you said here,there are many many children whose parents don’t get the opportunity to even have a pay plan for Dr visits/ needed surgeries. Those parents are too afraid to even go to a clinic.💔It Should Not Be That Way In America!🇺🇸 There is plenty of $$$ to Waste?then there IS $$$$ to have Free Healthcare for all children!and their parents!
You are such a powerful example of what it means to be a man in 2026. NOT the perverted, Hegseth, hyper macho covering up insecurity and self loathing version. NOT the grinning jack-o-lantern of evil and narcissism while feigning good Christian values version. Instead you are the perfectly imperfect, honest to the core, intelligently observant, courageously vulnerable man version. A father. A husband. A man who's not afraid to speak out against the unspeakable things happening in our country today. I don't like using platitudes, but I'm reduced here to using one: you truly go beyond talking the talk by setting an example for all of us about how - when it's painful to even contemplate what's coming next - to nonetheless walk the walk. And for that I thank you most sincerely. (And please do let us know after your son has had his successful surgery and is eating ice chips and popsicles in recovery).
He’s on the couch drinking yogurt and playing video games as we speak!!
Wonderful news.
That's great for him
<3
Thank you, Mike. So well written and beautifully written, with a powerful closing…yes! Medicare for All!!!
Hey Mike! Yes, your son will be fine 💞 You & your wife are feeling the weight of parenting. It feels this heavy because it's so valuable, and you're doing it to your best ability. Bless your graciousness in reflecting on your own advantages and realizing not everyone has the same.
I was in that hospital bed in August 60-some years ago (well, one sort of like it - less tech, much more primitive anesthesia...) and I'm here today to pass along two words for later: ice cream. As in: all he wants (but no nuts or chips in it!)
When I was going to have my tonsils out 68 years ago, my mother told me I could have all the ice cream I wanted when it was over. When I woke up, she told me the doctors said all I could have was ice chips. Dairy, she was told, would cause mucus. If Mike's boy is drinking yogurt, he should be fine with ice cream.
The reason I had them out was the same as Mike's son's. I'd had one strep infection after another from the time I was 18 months old. The surgery had been scheduled and rescheduled, but every time, I got another strep throat and it had to be postponed. Losing the tonsils took care of that problem: I have not had a single strep throat since my tonsillectomy! So Mike, your boy should be feeling a lot better now that he's rid of the strep reservoirs in his throat. You and he have my best wishes.
Sending you good wishes for a full and speedy recovery for your son!
Hi Mike. Thanks for the heartfelt story. All of us with kids or vulnerable elders, or just people we love who have health issues, have the right to the peace of mind that comes with health coverage. It should not depend on income, job status or prior illnesses, as it did not so many years ago. Health is the foundation for everything we aspire to achieve. A human right it's time we recognize.
You are 100% correct Mike, as a nasty and proud Canadian I'm so happy that is one worry we don't have, sure everything is more expensive and Trump has a hard on about our country because PM Carney won't bow to him but not having to worry about Healthcare is a great relief. A country like the US should not put it's people in that bind, give them damn free Healthcare. Spoil your son with ice cream, popsicles and anything that will smooth his sore throat. I'm 71 and still have my tonsils.
Hi Mike, I can only imagine the emotions you're feeling. I can relate to the feeling of worrying about insurance coverage. I had surgery several years ago and was concerned about the coverage and fortunately my insurance covered it. I'm sure your son will be feeling better in not too long.
In the UK we have the NHS, an organisation which we all complain about. Long waiting times, excessive waste etc, etc. one thing we never have to worry about is the cost. Which I guess makes us, along with the rest of the developed, communists. At least to some twisted definitions.
If you don't like the NHS you can always have private health care. But your taxes still pay for the NHS.
Speedy recovery for your son, Mike! Great post ~
Agree with you completely. Medicare for all because we all deserve a foundation to build on and healthcare shouldn’t be something you avoid because it can bankrupt you. Wishing you and your son a speedy recovery on your surgeries.
Mike,
Both of my children had their tonsils out due to recurring strep infections. I know exactly the feelings of fear and helplessness you are experiencing, waiting for the surgery to be over so you can hug your son. He will be fine, but I have never forgotten those feelings. I had good health care and it was still a traumatic experience. I cannot understand how the people in charge today can inflict such pain on other people and have no conscience about it. It brings tears to my eyes just to think about what people are going through every day in this cruel administration. There is no justification for the pain they are intentionally inflicting and we can't get them out of office soon enough. Hang in there. You are helping to keep the rest of us going.
The "people in charge," for the most part, grew up wealthy and remain so. They've never skipped meals so their children could have what food was left in the house. They've never had to worry whether their health insurance would cover a claim, because they can afford to pay for any health care they need out of pocket. They have no concept of what it's like living from paycheck to paycheck, hoping no one gets sick or the car doesn't break down because they can't afford to fix it. And they blame the people working two or three minimum-wage jobs and barely scraping by for being poor. You're right -- the people in charge -- especially those on the right -- have no conscience, because they lack empathy or compassion and have no sense of responsibility toward their fellow human beings. Their attitude is, "I'm doing fine. if you can't make it on your own, that's not my problem."
Wishing your son and your family the best Mike. Thank you for your thoughts about this terribly broken system.
I’m a Canadian who emigrated to the USA several decades ago but I still remember what it was like to never have to worry about health insurance. There were no copayments, deductibles, or insurance company refusals. If you lost or quit your job, healthcare was still in place. Most importantly, if you got sick and couldn’t work, you wouldn’t lose your health insurance when you needed it most. We farmed and were self employed and always had healthcare. Many Americans don’t realize what they are giving up in having for profit healthcare. Thanks Mike for putting a human face to the reality here!
I am on the ACA. I pay $235 a month, but it covers nothing until I've spent $7500 out-of-pocket. So basically, right now I'd spend $10,320 to access health care. My annual average earnings are $35K before taxes. Thank god it's only me and I don't have a family. I can't wait until next March when I'll qualify for Medicare. Also, I too had the surgery but insurance doesn't cover skin removal unless I get serious infections. It doesn't matter that all that extra skin sags to gravity putting extra pressure on my aging joints.