Gabriel had the sickest day of his short life today. Starting Tuesday night, a nasty GI bug took hold of my dear boy and gave him a fierce shake, the aftermath of which left him exhausted and incapable of keeping more than a sip of water down for nearly two days. I am happy to say (fingers crossed) that he is now out of the worst part of those woods and sleeping peacefully on a bed that is very, very clean, the sheets having been changed and washed twice in the past day.
It hit during Mike's spring break, which has been a blessing, because there has been none of the stressful logistical rearranging that usually attends unexpected sickness around here on a weekday. Instead, Mike took Frances to school and I spent much of the morning comforting and holding our sickie. Mike came home and read Huck Finn next to us, passing stories and tissues and the phone our way when needed.
Gabriel shivered and dozed in my arms, and I was transported back to the simplicity and peace of those early days nursing and holding my babies. Because it really is peaceful to give yourself physically in that way. There's nothing else you can do; no decisions to be made, no other duty more pressing than this, the offering of your warm, strong arms. So much in life, in parenting especially, is complicated and twisted up. It is not always clear how you can help, or if you should even try. But for a few hours this morning, clarity ruled. I sang songs and read stories and spent long stretches simply holding my sick kid.
There he is this morning. Frances, much disturbed by his listlessness, tried to rally him with his new little stretchy bugs and took his picture (he cooperated until he couldn't bear it, then keeled over, moaning for her to stop). The bugs were his magic talismans today. He squeezed them, arranged them, and became distressed if one escaped onto the floor. And when his Didi came home, offering gifts and hugs and invitations to play, it was as if the presence of sibling love kicked the bugs' magic powers into high gear. He had a few bites of toast and began tottering around the house, asking if Frances wanted to color and play with the bugs (she did), and insisting to all of us that he felt much better.
Let's hope so.
3 comments:
Awww- poor guy! Glad Gabriel is on the mend. And isn't it sweet to see siblings reunited following an illness? Always warms my heart!
PS- Snuggling with a child who just had a belly bug makes you the bravest and most compassionate woman I know. I will snuggle any child with cold, flu, fever, etc. but the stomach flu sends me running for the hills, hoping that Dave can manage. And he does, without even so much as a gag. Thank heavens for the team approach.
Healthy hugs to you all!!
xo
I would be remiss if I didn't note that Mike was the hero of all this, dealing with the completely disgusting mess that started the illness off while I comforted and washed the boy (a MUCH easier job!). And the snuggling later? WIth only water in his belly, the gross factor was at a minimum. I really don't deserve the brave mom award!
Thanks for the hugs - we are all well today and wish we could receive them in person. xxoo
So glad to hear G is on the mend. Two days of only water must have been frightening. I'm sure it must be so hard to watch someone that young feel seriously ill. What a relief to know you're around the bend! I hope you have a quiet, recuperative weekend.
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