It happens to the best of us. Head colds, stomach bugs, sinus infections...to name a small few. It happens to my children quite frequently (even though I hole them up like little hobbits and douse them in sanitizer), my husband every so often, but me...I seem to make it through the grueling winter months with little to no side effects. I think germs and I have a mutual understanding - I will come at you with everything I have and you will leave me alone.
I don't get sick very often - much to my husband's amazement - I wipe one runny nose after the next, catch vomit in a pale, clean up diarrhea (what? don't you know how glamorous it is to be a mom?), administer all kinds of vitamins and medications, and am on constant call for snuggles, and yet - miraculously - I come out of these situations ALIVE, ok that's dramatic, I come out of them infection free! I think my husband secretly thinks I am super woman...this is not an illusion I wish to dispute.
So, yesterday when I developed a nasty, persistent little head cold, it appeared to be the end of life as we know it. My husband lovingly said, "YOU'RE sick?! What?! Uh...should I make dinner?" My kids apparently thought I was kidding because they proceeded with life as normal. Screaming, spinning in circles, demanding snacks and stories, and covering my entire body with stuffed animals while I tried to "rest my eyes" in the recliner.
This morning, however, it was quite visibly clear to even my four year old that I didn't feel so hot. When your four year old BOY notices that you're looking a little sub-par, you have reached the bottom, my friends. "Oh, momma, you don't look nice. What's wrong with your eyes...and your nose...and your voice? Ewww...uh, bless you." Oh, the sweet, sweet sentiments of a toddler. I had to explain to my chivalrous little fellow that mommy is sick.
The look of horror that crossed this little man's face was one for the photo album. "You're sick? How did this happen? What are we going to do? Who is going to take care of us?" The freak out was REAL! Apparently my head cold is Sam's apocalypse. Poor Sam.
Now, my two year old daughter, you know, a sweet, precious, loving little lady with maternal tendencies...UH NO! Not only did she not notice my visible ailment, she didn't care. When I explained to her that I was sick (I have a pounding congestion headache, could you please not scream at that decibel?) she giggled and replied, "hehe, mommy ate a flu bug." ....I have no words.
First of all, it's not the flu (It's not a tumor! If you can't place this reference we may not have much in common!), speaking of the flu - do you feel ok, does your tummy hurt, do you need to throw up? - No, ok then.
I don't have the flu, I have a cold. "Are you cold, mommy" "No, I'm not cold, I have a head cold. My nose is stuffy and I have a bad headache." "Oh...so your head is cold. Wear a hat."
"CAN I HAVE FRUITY PEBBLES FOR BREAKFAST?!"
And on went our day...
The best part of the day - I mean aside from the congestion, coughing, watering eyes, inability to breath through my nose, and pounding headache - was when Sam immediately said, "Oh momma, you're sick? Let's pray for you! Dear God, please help momma feel better. Amen." Boom - right there - totally and completely worth it! Bring on the ailments. My sweet little man turns to God in times of need. Amen to that.
Now if you will excuse me, I must snort some saline spray, inhale my albuterol, take a decongestant and head to bed.
