Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Under The Weather




Well, it has to happen every year, although every year I keep hoping and praying that it won't happen to us.  Sickness in a larger than average family is just that - larger than average.  There is just more of everything - more laundry that simply must be done as soon as possible, more children awake in the middle of the night, more baths to give and foreheads to kiss, more days that must pass before you are absolutely sure you are all out of the woods.  And no, we're not, not yet.

I was optimistic when it had been over 24 hours since an "incident," but was proven to be mistaken by my two very cheerful little boys, one right after another.  More baths.  More books to be read up in Mama's bed.  More reasons why school just did not happen on what was to be our first day back after Christmas break.

I'd be wrong if I was to say I take all of this in stride.  At 28 weeks pregnant, it's all I can do to muster my nurturing instinct at 3 am when someone needs yet another bath and a fresh pair of pajamas.  The truth is, while there is more of all of everything else, these days it seems like I'm the one running the deficit - less patience, less energy, less mental capacity to keep all these balls in the air.  Getting by on the skin of my teeth is the order of the day, and adding on a large family bout with the stomach flu is just the icing on the not so appetizing cake.

Still, it all serves as a reminder that each day must be lived as it presents itself - not, as I must remind myself, as I feel it should be lived.  I just do the next right thing - switching loads of laundry and braiding hair back out of the way, slipping in books on tape and brewing lots of ginger tea.  Sometimes it can be easy to forget that this is life - not just an interruption, but life itself.  Yes, even the rough days and the long nights.  Not a detour. Not a break in regularly scheduled programming.  Life itself, this day with all of it's moments, the good and the bad.

So I reschedule appointments, send regrets to get togethers and, while I hope these sick days pass quickly by, I'm grateful that I can spend them right here, taking care of the people who need me the most.  Even at 3 am.


If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to future posts.  Thank you.

12 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you! I must admit here that, in the middle of mothering all of these sick people, I've been wishing for someone to "mother" me. Thanks for your virtual hugs - they help!

      Delete
  2. We are right there with you. Stay strong- your doing great :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you and yours feel better soon too!

      Delete
  3. You brought tears to my eyes with the description of braiding back hair out of your girls' faces. My mom used to do the same for me when I was sick, bu I don't (yet) have any girls of my own whose hair I can braid. How strange it sounds to ask for the chance to do that someday (will I remember my wish in the midst of the pukey mess?) but I hope I do...prayers for healing for all of you - and quick! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Laura...my Mom used to do it as well, definitely an effective way to keep from having to wash hair every few minutes!

      Delete
  4. Hugs, hope everyone is feeling better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh horrible :( We've had a dose here too.
    I love and am encouraged when I read 'do the next right thing' on your blog. I tell myself that a lot now.
    I hope you all recover soon!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So sorry! That's the worst! We just went through the flu here and all I can tell everyone is that we mothers are earning our stripes. And what else would I rather do than *kiss those sweet little foreheads*! Keep up your great work! What a sweet mom you are and feel better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just finished up a bout with a stomach bug here as well, everyone but the eight month old over New Years (yes, even the parents!) and then the eight month old got it this week! Prayers for full recoveries and much patience...K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Kyndra, that is the worst! I always say that babies should be exempt from sickness...it's really just not fair, they are so small! Prayers for quick recoveries for your little one!

      Delete

Thank you so much for stopping by! I love hearing from you! While you're here, don't forget to click "subscribe"!