Working Motherhood, Sick Kid
Having a sick young child is challenging for any parent. Having a sick five-year-old is a special kind of endurance. At this age—and younger—children are irrational when they’re sick. Their bodies hurt, their emotions spill, and logic has left the building. There is crying. Whining. Wailing. “I’m too cold.” “I’m too hot.” “I need a hot pack.” “I need a blanket.” “That’s the wrong blanket.” “I need the Spider-Man blanket.” “This blanket doesn’t keep my legs warm.” “I want applesauce.” “I need honey.” (For his throat.) “Lay by me.” “You’re too close.” “I’m too hot.” “Where are you?” He was asleep. I took a short shower. I hear him crying in panic. I rush out with dripping hair and a towel too small to matter, running to him. “I called and you didn’t answer,” he weeps. “I’m here,” I say, reaching for him. He pushes me away. Tears drip onto the Spider-Man blanket—angry tears, hurt tears—because I wasn’t there. I bundle a towel near his face because when he coughs it triggers a g...
