Well, we’re still deeply in the throws of Mononucleosis at our house. It’s pretty much just sleeping, sniffling, ice water and tea for my stricken teenage daughter. I have to admit that my new year’s resolution for getting more exercise is getting a boost as I run up and down the stairs with soup and hot tea. As all of you parents know, though, an extended illness gets old pretty fast.
If my daughter had any more energy, I know she’d be going stir crazy. Instead, it’s mostly just a lot of low and constant lamenting as she sits propped up in her bed watching reality shows on MTV–the world is passing her by, her throat will never feel better, her friends will forget her, why am I up in her grill, why am I not when I’m out taking care of work stuff. The great illness question, of course, is “Why?”
Strangely enough, when my kids get sick (which is not very often) it brings on great waves of compassion and appreciation for me. I think of the families who must deal with a long, terminal illness or child who is dangerously ill. We have been very blessed here and it is so easy to take health for granted. This morning, as I struggle to get some work done in my home office, get my daughter situated, set up and reasonably comfortable, and get myself ready so I can get to another work project, I am thinking of all the parents who do this every day, all day. What an amazing depth of love and strength it must take to live in a world where illness is common and not the exception.
My daughter and I keep reminding ourselves that this is only temporary–she WILL start to feel better and get back to the business of living outside of her sick bed. As long as she gets her rest and drinks her fluid and we look after her convalescence, we have every reason to believe the Mono will pass and life will return to normal. How blessed we truly are that there is health and normalcy on the other side of this passing illness.