from Outside the Box

In the digital age, much of our information comes from inside the box of our computers. The view from the outside into this box is what fascinates me as I read the words of writers and see the world through the lens of a photographer's camera.
September 10

Not Quite Understanding This….

My grandnephew was scheduled to have the tubes in his ears replaced and evaluated for the removal of his adenoids as well.  He’s 21 months old.  My sister, his grandmother, had been the one to take him for his surgery.  My niece had a test today, so my sister took off work to take him.

Yes, my niece had a test because she is in her senior year of high school.  She is doubling up, taking classes that will give her college credit from a local community college.  She is 17 and will be 18 at the end of November.

I had asked my sister to text me when the surgery was over so that I knew he was OK.  And, of course, I wanted to know if they had to remove his adenoids.  I got a text very early telling me they had to reschedule.  I texted her back to ask why.

They needed a notarized permission from my niece for the surgery.

My niece is legally a minor and cannot go on a field trip at school let alone consent to medical care for herself.  My sister is still her LEGAL guardian.  Doesn’t it seem as if she could have consented for her grandbaby’s medical care?  Especially considering that she is responsible for the baby’s mother as well as ll the bills?