It's been a long six days.
Or should I say a long twelve days.
Poor Hope came down with a rather drippy cold Saturday the 12th. But colds don't really slow her down much, so we plowed on. Then Thursday (the 17th) she woke up quite cranky, a little warm, and very lethargic. After dropping Gracie off at preschool, she fell asleep on me for a while, then woke up and promptly threw up all over me, herself and the blanket I had on her.
And you know the smell, it kinda makes a little vomit come up in your own throat.
Poor girl. Thursday was spent with Hope resting with me and taking a long nap, throwing up about two more times and feeling just generally sick - sad and pathetic from our spunky, go get 'em kid. Fortunately, Gracie was able to play with her cousin for the day.
Friday dawned to no more throw up YEAH :)
But diarrhea - GREAT!
Her doctor said it was a particularly rank strand of rotavirus (sp?) and that the diarrhea could last for six-eight days. AWESOME!
Now, I must confess, the first day when she was sick and I got to cuddle her and care for her all day - I was content. At about the fourth day, after changing I don't know how many incredibly disgusting diapers; I lost that feeling.
I thought to myself, "Hmmmm, you have a Bachelor's Degree in English, a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, and you have five diarrhea diapers inside of one hour to show for your day."
Then, I got a letter in the mail from one of my favorite people in the world. My friend, Heidi, reminded me of something far more important than degrees and diarrhea diapers. We only have so many years to make sure our children's "love tanks" are full before they're out in the world. (And she has 7 boys -so she fills love tanks a lot!) Our chores will always be there, but our children won't. Aaaaah, perspective check.
Diarrhea passes - memories stick. Today was better, and I admit I took careful mental pictures of their cute little girl bodies jumping in and out of the pool and splashing water, riding bikes and swinging at the park. What a privilege I have, truly, to make sure Hope's little bottom is "diarrhea free" and that both girls' "love tanks" always measure full. Exhausting and sometimes disgusting? at times - yes. Proper perspective - Priceless!
I love you girls!
2 comments:
Oh, Michelle-belle! You have been through the ringer -- Hopie too! But Heidi's words are so true . . . thank you for being a wonderful mother and fantastic example for me! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Love you!!
Poor Hope! And poor Michelle! Thanks for sharing the perspective you gained. I think perspective is so hard to have in the day-in, day-out duties of motherhood. I'm glad you were able to have that! And, hopefully, you can pamper yourself a little now, too. :)
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