I found myself in the urgent care for the second time in two days. The pretty, young, professional-to-the-max Dr. questioned me regarding little Oliver who sat on my lap. "How long has he been sick?" "Three, two weeks? I don't know: everyone is sick at my house and I haven't kept track of who is sick when."
This lady looks like she just walked off the scenes of a television hospital drama: blond hair pulled neatly into a pony-tail, 5'8", clean white coat...and me? I am wondering how in the WORLD I got out of the house looking like I do. You laugh, but seriously! The onset of this ear-infection was so quick that as soon as Josh came home we made the decision that I needed to take him now. The screaming was too much. Let's just say I didn't look in the mirror before I left, but unfortunately did in the car and was therefore painfully aware of my bad hair-clothes-face day.
And then there was Ollie: jeans with holes, no socks, and snot that wouldn't come off with Lily's sock that had been tossed off onto the floor.
I can't keep track of my kid's schedule of sickness, dark circles under my eyes from Max's all-nighter...I could read into what she was thinking but I won't. She was a very nice Dr.
Back up eleven hours to the start of the day: five sick kids. School day. Lily has taken to "clinging" again, but this time it is "clinging with attitude." She is a master non-verbal communication and subtle expressions.
Max is on the couch...in and out of sleep...movies, video games, 7-up: sick day! But Jake is not sick and math must go on. Shoulder drop: the sure-fire sign his mind is shutting off to any mathematical problem I may throw his way.
What time is it? 9:00? And where is my coffee? Oh...there it is in the microwave again. What are you saying Ollie? Oh sheesh...now you have to take a bath.
10:00. 11:00. 12:00. hours go by and now it is too late for coffee.
What happened...everyone fell asleep! Jake and I sit down to watch "Storm Trackers" together. Ahhh....WAAAAAA!!! Lily. Shhhh......rock rock rock....quiet. MOM!!! THERE'S A WALL CLOUD COMING!!! HURRY!!!!! Jake...although he loves time alone with me does NOT consider how to lengthen that time by keeping his voice down.
1:00. 2:00. 3:00 School, math games, reading.
4:00: "mommy...my ear hurts" 4:15: "MOMMY! I can't get it out of my ear!" 4:30: "MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"
5:00 daddy comes home and off I go to afore mentioned Dr. visit with well-dressed pretty physician.
Day goes into night goes into day and my mental state does not reflect the brightness of the morning sky.
Another day together with five sick kids. Together. All day. Together. all my children together. How long will this last?
Looking on some may question my sanity in having five kids and staying with them all day every day. The bus will never come, work hours are not scheduled; only the occasional book club meeting and coffee-dates with girl-friends. If I am really lucky, Josh and I get a night out.
Life is not 2-dimensional and there are more ways to look at any situation.
My family is my life...and I live life with them every day. It is a sacrifice to mental health, but things like chi and inner-peace are highly over-rated.
The intervals of time are the moments unseen.
In the past two days I have:
...remembered the treasure-found excitement of digging through the Lego box and finally finding the piece you were seeking.
...read "just one more story"
...embraced a son who was sorry
...helped a son overcome perimeters
...kissed hot foreheads
...learned and taught the workings of ear infections
...been a friend to a boy who said "I have no friends"
...tickled
...answered numerous deep questions of life and faith
...put laundry away with the help of my shadow
...found bugs
...dug in the dirt
...and tonight my daughter wrapped her arms tightly around my neck as we danced to Etta James singing At Last.
Life is beautiful...together.
12 comments:
Isn't it so wonderful when we feel our calling to our children that God can give us this peace, encouragement and show us all the blessings. When we question or wonder if it's right and then see the little ones it's beyond amazing! Praying for your family and health and praying for you in strength, and patience. What an amazing mom you are and an encourager to us other moms!!! Hang in there!!! :)
That is a beautiful post, Jodi. Amazing how many little, wonderful moments are to be found in even the roughest of days. This is such a crazy season in our lives, but rich beyond words. Take care of your precious family and I hope you are all well soon!
You remember that goal to blog so that you'd become a better writer?
It has happened. I laughed, smiled, and cried.
Thanks for this post.
Great post. :) Sick kids make life slow down, which is always a good thing, because it's impossible to notice things (like how much kids LOVE playing with mom and dad, etc.)if we keep up the usual pace to get that next lesson in, wipe the next hiney, discipline, put in a laundry load, cook dinner, help at church, etc. etc. etc. Wishing you five healthy kids soon. :)
can I just say "I love you. I couldn't have picked a better mother for my grandkids if I had tried."
What a great post.
I have four kiddos ridiculously close in age, and relate very much to all of this.
Including wiping snot with random sock on the floor.
Glad I am not alone.
Beautifully written! Thanks for letting us share in your life from a distance. Joni
Your Mom has a very warm heart after reading this post. It is a joy beyond measure to watch my daughters love their children. God is blessing you.
Beautiful conclusion. And HOPEFULLY this sickness has passed or WILL pass very, very soon!
It takes an amazing woman to (in the midst of crazy, hard days) stop and look at the wonderful things that happened.
I try to do the same. Thank you for being an inspiration.
aww...love this...I'm crying...thanks for writing this, so honestly!
I loved that. You are a great writer friend, and I love what you have to say- great combo.
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