Being sick is not fun.
If you are the mother of a sick child, it is a helpless feeling. I can’t snap my fingers to make her have a magical recovery. Instead, nature and medication have to take their course.
There are a few things that are in my control and today I was a mommy.
I didn’t go to work.
I made yummy meals.
I was at her beck and call.
I kissed her cheek and thought about how blessed I feel.
Being a seventeen year old is quite a bit different than being six. All those things were nice and comforting to Alyssa, but I know that there were a few other things that brought her comfort that really didn’t have anything to do with me…
First and foremost there was Bella, the cute puppy who stuck with her like gum on a shoe, although she snoozed on and off all day.
Her laptop kept her in touch with the world when she didn’t feel like moving anything except for her eyeballs and fingers.
Of course, she didn’t even check in on any people in the world until very, very late in the day because she was snuggled under the afghan that Nanny (my mom) made her for Christmas one year.
Hopefully, Alyssa will feel better tomorrow.
I remember when I was a little girl (I think I was nine years old), I got very sick with the flu. I was so sick that I was in out of consciousness for several weeks. Mom was a single mother then, so my Aunt Barbara stayed with us to take care of me. They were afraid I was going to die. Of course, I don’t remember much from the whole experience.
The one thing that I do distinctly remember is that I was loved. There were whispers of my name, gentle hands softly touching my hair, flashes of everyone giving me a drink of broth or “the Map Drink“, cold wash clothes on my face, blankets and pillows being fluffed and tender prayers being uttered by my bed. I think the comfort that being loved brings to us is what we desire most of all when we are not quite up to par. As a matter of fact, I think it is what we desire all the time…being loved and accepted.
This post is nearly forty years late, but I just want to say, “Thank you Mom and Aunt Bob for taking care of me so tenderly all those years ago, but most of all for loving me every day.”
Warm 7up and a cold cloth… I hope your sick one is on the mend.
I do hope Alyssa will be feeling better by tomorrow…..it's no fun being sick, but having a loved one by your side makes all the difference. I too remember the tender rubs of Vicks Vaporub on my chest when I had a bad cold,so that I could breathe better. Being tucked in super tight to keep me warm and asked if there were anything else I needed. I'm 61 years old, but I still miss my Mom and all the wonderful care she gave me. Alyssa will be in my prayers.
That is so sweet to thank them. It is better late than never as they say. I know your daughter appreciated you taking care of her. I know when I am sick I still want my mommy and I am 38:)
Another tear jerking blog post. It started out with Bella, I miss my Timber so much, and how much love she gave. I also miss my Mom that gave me so much comfort when sad or sick. Thanks for letting me go back there.
Sherry, mom called Aunt Bob and read your blog to her since she never gets on her computer,lol. She, as I was moved, but we both feel the same, it is us who have gained just by knowing and loving you. A mother never feels it is a job or sacrifice, I do not have to tell you that though. Mom and Aunt Bob love you and think you are special and thank you for comming into our lives.
mom
What a sweet mama. Hope she is back to 100% soon.