The Sick Day Paradox

Today is a sick day in our house. It appears that the evil Strep monster has decided to pay a second visit this winter.

And while I absolutely, positively HATE when one of my children is sick, I have to admit that sick days make me feel like a good mom.

Because on sick days I know EXACTLY what my child WANTS and NEEDS from me. And it is ALL within my power to provide.

Sick days are days when I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that everything I do for my sick child will make them feel better and feel loved.

The mystery of how to make my child happy --- has been temporarily answered.

I don’t have to wonder if they will like what I packed in their lunchbox because I KNOW they will appreciate every last spoonful of chicken soup that we share together on the couch before a nap.

I don’t have to worry that they will pull away from a hug for fear that their friends might see because I KNOW they will spend the day curled up in my lap, enjoying the attention.

And I don’t have to find the perfect activity to fill their free time because they will enjoy the small, often forgotten, activities like puzzles and card games that we will play together.

It is also a day when it is o.k. to eat popsicles for breakfast and watch cartoons for hours. It’s o.k. to build a fort out of sheets in the living room with little to no regard for time and schedules.

But most importantly sick days make me thankful – thankful for the fact that my child is only temporarily ill and will be back to his fun loving self very soon. Because, while I enjoy babying my baby for a day or two --- it is the HEALTHY, picky-lunch-eating, hug-dodging, whirling dervish that I thank God for each and every day.