The stomach bug hit us hard the week before Christmas (such great timing — I know). If you live with young children in the house then you know: Once someone gets sick, everyone slams to the ground like dominoes. If this is the price we pay for all the snuggles and sloppy toddler kisses then so be it!
I wasn’t able to keep anything down, which is just the absolute worst (a million high-fives to my hubby, who was on the mend and took over childcare duties completely — wheeeew!). I’m about 12 hours into this thing and, at this point, I really think I’m going to die. I’m throwing back another shot of the pink stuff when in bounds my 2-year-old son, full of way too much post-stomach-bug energy. I had quarantined myself all day — mostly to suffer alone — and man, seeing that sweet little face made me feel all better, even if just for a few seconds. He hugged my leg, screeched a little like he always likes to do and then told me: “You’re strong, mama. You’re strong!” And just like that he was back out the bathroom door and off stomping around the corner in his fireman rain boots.
I’ve been saying that to him a lot lately: “You’re strong. You can do it! Be strong, buddy, use your muscles.” He still struggles with the physically challenging stuff on the playground. He always hesitates and asks for help, even though I know he has it in him to do it. I try to encourage him the best I know how… so it’s not like he came up with that all on his own. But the timing couldn’t be any more perfect. It’s exactly what I needed in that moment of total despair. How kids know when to deliver a message that sticks straight in your heart is beyond me. I love being moved to laughter and, occasionally, a tear or two by all of these crazy/funny/sweet things that come out of that little face.
Here’s hoping we all catch way less germs in the new years!
