Not a nurse

I don't know why I try to fight it. It always happens and usually at the most inconvenient time. But for some reason, every time, I still get in a big fat tizzy because my all plans are chucked out the window. You'd think after 12 years I'd finally just accept the fact that kids get sick once in a while, but nope. I accept it about as well as I accept going to the dentist. I hate it but I deal with it.

I've never been one of those moms who just "rolls" with it. I never say "Oh well, kids are sick, no biggie." Trust me, I try, but every time, never fails, it stresses me out. I've mentioned in the past that I was in no way, shape or form born with a nursing nature. That sounds harsh outright saying it, but I'm referring to the temporary sicknesses that aren't life threatening or disabling. God blessed me with about two full days of sympathy, three days tops, before my irritation and annoyance sets in. I can only handle so much throwing up and lying around infecting the rest of the household before I'm ready to flip out.

Of course I never actually do flip out on the sickly family members, but I can sure feel the switch about ready to turn. Especially when I've washed the same set of pukey sheets for the 5th time, or after I ran up and down the stairs 28 times in one hour serving ice water and saltines, or thrown away full bowls of applesauce or soup they "thought" sounded good but after one bite, grossed them out. My mind can only take so many times of seeing and smelling food that was once whole, now regurgitated in many new colors and forms.

It wouldn't be so bad if they'd just stay cooped up in their rooms but no. We have to cruise the house, smearing our germs all over the handrails, light switches and remotes. Then they're never too sick to use the computer and sneeze germs all over it too. I beg them to just lay still, at least trying to quarantine them into one living area, but it's impossible. By the time the sickness has escaped them, they've coated every door handle and might as well have just licked every piece of silverware 'cause we're all guaranteed to catch it anyway.

I try to reassure myself that the older the kids get, the more they can take care of themselves, so hang on! Maybe someday they'll think sleeping their sickness away in bed is much more appealing then following me around begging me to sit with them on the couch. Man, I'd pay money to stay in bed when I'm sick and have everyone leave me alone. What are those kids thinking??

However, I have to admit, I haven't forgotten how it feels to have your mom there to take care of you when you're sick. There's nothing better than knowing she's there or having her sit with you and take care of you, so I know where they're coming from. And of course I know that you never get to choose when you get sick. It is what it is, but as I said, a nurse I am not and I've had my fill of reprocessed jelly sandwiches and little fever clad fingers spreading germs.