Call me Crazy, but I just don't think that would have been a good idea. However, after saying it, I got more push back than I thought necessary. Starks... He reminds me of what people describe as "all boy." He plays with Legos, creating attacks complete with noises. He loves ALL sports and is quite adept at any he tries. He can have 2 hours of gymnastics followed by 1.5 hours of baseball practice and run to the trampoline when we get home. He is not phased by what most may balk at as "over scheduled," as long as it's something active! If he WEREN'T in these things, he'd be doing them all day at home- and asking the grandma next door to play catch when the rest of us are exhausted. However, he is great at school, has no focus issues and can sit still no problem. He's just the sports guy who dislikes down time.
So, when he was lying on the couch last Tuesday night with flushed cheeks, blank stare, and flaccid limbs, it almost scared me. Obviously, the realistic part of me- and nurse part- knew it was just a fever, as did Starks, yet seeing it played out on a tiny body that has <5% body fat kind of put me on alert. It broke my heart to see his personality completely snuffed out! It was the kind of fever that needed something every 4 hours and didn't stop until Thursday night when he still had a fever, but not as high. So, he woke Friday wanting food and acting himself. We spent the day together again. :) He caught up on eating, played lots of electronics (He was even too tired to do that for more than a day.), and went with us to see "The Amazing Spiderman 2" after school with Daddy.... finishing the evening with a big burger! He was BACK! I didn't have any idea "why" he had a fever until Saturday when he woke with sore vocal cords. That tiny, sweet voice was a little smaller, but the energy was mostly there.
This morning, as Russ and I were almost ready for our coffee date, the shower came on in the boys' bathroom. We left knowing it was Anthony but not seeing him. After returning, I found him dressed but lying on the couch. :( A mild fever (I never actually use a thermometer and don't own one.) caused his cheeks to turn red, and he was complaining of a stomach ache. Anthony stayed on the couch all day except for a couple of showers, which make him feel better when he's sick. He texted me while I was in the garage "MIM! I need you! Please!" Of course, I'd finished a workout, the tree guy had arrived right after I'd cleaned up my equipment, and we had walked together down the block to evaluate some trees. SO, I pick up my phone after coming back to the garage, see the message, run upstairs, and he'd thrown up on the pjs I'd placed beside him to put on after his shower. He couldn't make it to the bathroom in time, so he contained it the best he could. *sigh* I missed my opportunity to help. However, I've been stroking his head, kissing his forehead, cheek, and head of hair at every moment when I've leaned down to talk to him. In a sense, he was a prisoner and couldn't run away. Muahahahaaaa! As an 8th grader, he can always get away, but not today. I took advantage of him. I did. I think it's my duty as a parent to do so.
This day has been ridiculously constant, but I've been able to take in some good, yet short, moments with each boy today. I'm thankful for that... that during a day when I'm from one thing to the next, I am also given moments to rest in and ENJOY with my family. I'd been listening to Starks, sitting with him, and watching him set up a battle of Lego guys before he had to break to poop- and ask me to help him continue that moment in another "room." LOL! He also doesn't want those times to end. I cling to that! I'm still needed and wanted, and it feels pretty awesome. Life is good. The alternative isn't as fun. So, I'll take sick, tired, energetic, and needy. It's all gravy!
No comments:
Post a Comment