Off The Record

After Trashman Babysat My Kids for 25 Minutes, I Hired Him To Be A Full-Time Nanny

Published on May 3, 2024

After her three children were left alone while she was taken to the hospital for an emergency, a doctor noticed the garbage man and had an epiphany. When she got home, she saw something she couldn’t believe.

“At this point? “Are you certain Dr. Morris isn’t free?” Even though I was already getting dressed and giving it a lot of thought, I called Nurse Carey and asked her.

“Dr. Sanders, no. Dr. Morris is currently attempting to get here by driving across state lines. I thought I would give you a call since I know you well. The interns are clueless about their tasks. Although I am aware that today is your day off, I had run out of options. Are you able to attend?” Trying not to seem concerned, Nurse Carey continued, “I knew they needed me.”

“I will arrive as soon as possible,” I said, “I just need to find a babysitter,” hung up, and called Vicky right away because she was the only one who could manage my three crazy kids.

I’ve been a surgeon for a very long time, but before that, Peter was my spouse. My pillar of support. When the reality of raising three children got to be too much, he became a stay-at-home father. But when I was performing another procedure, he suddenly died of a heart attack.

My whole house, mistakenly thought to be mine. It is not possible.

Now, when unplanned crises arose, I had to continuously find babysitters for the kids. I was unable to manage them. It was absurd to assume that any babysitter could handle them, and I had no patience. After only one day of work, two of my babysitters left, and rumours circulated that my three children, Lucy, seven, and Johnny, nine, were dangerous.

Really, they weren’t in error. However, they didn’t have to place me in this circumstance. So yet, only Vicky has accepted. When I was regularly scheduled at work, I usually paid the local creche through the ceiling, but today I was unable to rush them in. It being Friday, it was nearly noon, and I would be horrible to send them.

“Opal, I apologise. I have no babysitting today. When I called Vicky, she remarked, “I’m sick and can hardly move.” I shut up the phone and advised her to go get some sleep. The hospital creche staff was detested by me and I was hated by them. I ran out of ideas, though. I would have to fight my way there with my kids.

Abruptly, though, I heard every child calling out, “Uncle Bob! Uncle Bob!”

I exhaled. There was no uncle for them. As soon as they could talk, they began referring to the neighbourhood garbageman as uncle since he was so kind and amiable. My kids loved him, and I had known him for more than a decade.

All my babies went outside to greet Johnny as soon as he opened the front door. I figured I might have to give the hospital a call. I could never bring those youngsters back inside the home in time to get dressed.

I did, however, grin when I saw them having fun with Bob. My children had become devils upon the death of their father. I wasn’t so sure, but the therapist assured me that it was typical and will pass. I felt inadequate. As if my maternal instincts were flawed in some way. I had no idea what to do.

However, I had an idea as I saw the children give hugs and ask Uncle Bob to play. I told myself, “That’s it,” and I hurried over to Bob.

“I have an insane request, Bob. You’re busy, I know that.” However, I was curious if you could watch my kids for twenty-five minutes. I begged, “I have to check something urgent at the hospital, and I have no one else.” My children gave me a happy, wide-eyed smile.

“Yes, Dr. Sanders. I can keep an eye on them for a little,” he smiled and nodded in response. My kids cheered and leaped.

But they’re not just a handful. I’m alerting you,” I uttered awkwardly.

“Never fear. You may now proceed,” He told me, “Your job is important,” and I took off, praying that my house would not be completely demolished when I got back.

Dr. Morris was delayed more than twenty-five minutes because of traffic, making the patient’s condition even more critical. I had to wait three hours after being hurried into a surgical room. Bob had his own work to do, so I felt awful for him.

I sped up my driving to get home. “Hey, Bob! Bob! I apologise.” Breathlessly, I yelled as I opened my door and then froze.

My whole house, erroneously believed to be mine. It is not possible. There was constantly toys around in my house, along with crayons, paper, and occasionally peanut butter smears. Yes, I am aware. Horrible. Please don’t condemn me.

“How was your procedure, Dr. Sanders? Is everything okay?” Bob emerged from the corridor and inquired.

“What took place in this instance? My home is no longer recognisable. And why don’t the children run around and scream?” Confused and astonished, I asked.

I swear my mouth dropped when he told me, “Lucy is napping, and Christie and Johnny are in their rooms, reading.”

“What? Are you joking with me?

“No, go see.”

My eyes couldn’t believe it either, but I had to leave. However, Bob had been honest with me. “How did you do this?”

“Oh, Dr. Sanders. I formerly raised children as a single father. “These three angels were not nearly as good as mine,” Bob chuckled. “I told them stories about fairies and taught them how to clean up after themselves. Your kids devoured that. Perhaps you should get them other books.”

Star-struck, I nodded. I had never heard anyone refer to my children as “angels,” and they had never shown any interest in the few books I had been given. “It’s unbelievable,” I said.

“It was simple. But I have to leave now,” Bob remarked, reaching behind a chair to retrieve his work jacket.

“Yes, indeed. I apologise profusely for being late.” I touched my forehead and muttered, “I’m so embarrassed.” “I’ll pay you triple for that.”

“No, no, no.” Bob raised his hands and shook his head, saying, “I don’t need money.”

“Please. For your time,” I emphasised, giving you a harsh glance. I knew Bob would not be able to turn down the money since the people at the hospital were terrified of that face.

He laughed and said, “Okay, I’ll treat the kids to something nice.” I’ll miss you, Dr. Sanders. Enjoy your day!”

“Thank you!” Weary, I let out a shout.

I was on the verge of tears, but my kids behaved for the rest of the day. The day was beyond perfect.

So, using my connections at the hospital, I called Bob and offered him a full-time nanny position, tripling his existing pay and including extra health benefits. At the end of the day, he accepted, and I was so appreciative that I gave him a Christmas bonus and airline tickets so his family could travel to Disneyland in California next year.

With Bob’s assistance, I quickly saw that my children required a family-like carer, as that was what their father provided for them. They detested being around strangers and daycare centres. They did it, and I couldn’t blame them. But I was overjoyed to have at last figured out how to solve our issue!

Bob was kind and patient when he spoke to my children, treating them as equals. I did my best, but I had never been that way. They stopped yelling and wrecking the home all the time, so I was able to be much more understanding with them. I spent more time with them, and each day we grew closer.

My hero was Bob. As time passed, I was even more convinced that Bob entered my life because the cosmos had foreseen my children’s need for him.

What lessons we can learn from this tale?

Given the right care and attention, even the noisiest and most energetic children can be made to change. Bob was able to teach the kids manners and how to talk to them, unlike Opal.

When you least expect them, certain people are like angels sent by the cosmos. Opal’s family was blessed with Bob following her husband’s death.