Resilient

Sarah got sick this week. She had a nasty virus. It all began with her throwing up all over her bedroom. She tried to make it to the bathroom, instead she walked as she threw up. I realize that is graphic, but it is what it is.

I've got to say that out of all the things I have to do as a mother, cleaning up puke is at the top of my list of things I'd be perfectly happy to NEVER do again. Yuck. Lysol and I have been good friends this week.

She ran a high fever that didn't break easily. I've been through so much that a little bug in a healthy child shouldn't bother me, but it freaked me out! Of course, first, I think of Emily and Abby getting sick. Hopefully they won't. Then, I realized I was completely at a loss with Sarah.

I didn't know what to do for her. I know where to start with my complex kids. What I didn't know was what to do without a g-tube to slowly drip Pedialyte in? I can't exactly run extra IV fluids until the fever passes. I couldn't sneak in the middle of the night and give Motrin through the tube.

I am so used to such sick, fragile kids that can't run high fevers without me thinking of seizures, central lines, or hospital stays. I forget how very resilient typical children are. Sarah can make it through a night with a fever just fine. She wakes up, drinks a Gatorade, runs a fever all day while laughing and playing with her puppy. She's fine. It's easy.

The initial panic I felt was completely based on Emily and Abby. Nothing is ever simple with them. Even when they are fine, it's only because we are working hard.

This week was a good reminder for me. I need to remember that everything isn't always hard. Some things are normal in our lives. I am so thankful for Sarah. Time and time again God has used that girl of mine to help we take a breath and center myself a bit. I sure do love that sweet child and feel incredibly grateful for her resilience.


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