I’m in bed with an extremely sore throat. I can barely talk. I keep trying to reach the office to let them know I won’t be in today. But I can’t seem to get through.
I’m in a full-blown panic because I want to go back to bed, but I have to reach my office to let them know I need a sick day.
Then I wake up.
This is the recurring dream I’ve had since I left my office job 13 years ago for life as a stay-at-home-mom.
As I was waking up from my familiar dream last night I started to feel relieved that, yes, it was only a dream.
But that feeling was short lived because as I opened my eyes, I saw my darling six-year-old Peter standing over me.
It was 6:30 in the morning.
“Mommy, I want sushi.”
“Peter,” I croak in a voice that is better-suited for a 1-900 number and not a mom of three. “Mommy is sick, go downstairs and watch Nick Jr.”
“Mommy, I want breakfast.”
“Mommy, I need food.”
“Go into the cabinet… and get some cereal. Daddy will… get some muffins in a minute.”
I turn to my husband who I know is awake even though he is pretending to be asleep.
“Joe… Please… muffins… for… kids. I’m sick.” Each word is excruciating to get out.
I was glad it was Saturday so I could finally get some rest. I have had the same cold that has kept my house a revolving door of germs.
Since the kids went back to school after the holiday break almost two weeks ago, at least one has been home every day. I thought it was all over Wednesday when all three finally got on a bus. They looked healthy, and I was glad to say goodbye and blow kisses at the bus window.
The fact that it was Lizzy’s birthday and I would have to go to school to bring a snack and read a book for her special day was fine. I could rest afterwards. Joe even took the day off. I had help. Life is good.
Although, I did pounce on Joe with a Ha! When he suggested that maybe he shouldn’t go to Lizzy’s class because he thought he was coming down with a sinus infection.
“You have got to be kidding. I have been sick for two weeks. I’m going. You can go.”
The poor guy didn’t stand a chance.
With our birthday duties all done, I finally got to slip under the covers. I was good to go until 2:30 when the little people started coming home. Plus Joe was home. He even brought me a cold tablet and tucked me into our bed.
Life is good, all is right with the world.
That was until the phone rang.
Lizzy, the same child we left only two hours ago smiling and happy to be celebrating her birthday with the great kids and teachers in her small special needs class was throwing up.
Joe and I fly out the door.
Poor Lizzy can’t catch a break.
There she is in her adorable pink sweater that she wore for her birthday, her ‘Everyday Tiara’ lopsided on her head as she looks up to see us.
Then the vomiting starts again.
We call the doctor because I’m worried that this new symptom may mean something more sinister is going on.
She looked pitiful. She just laid her head on my lap and slept as we drove from her school to the doctor’s office.
Once the doctor’s visit is over, but not until she threw up three more times in their office, we get yet another diagnosis of a sinus infection. We walk out with yet another perscription.
We get Lizzy settled in at home and already she looks better.
Now I’m sick, and stressed out over the day’s excitement.
Lizzy is a trooper. She started to perk up once she got home and could put on her fairy wings. She even had some pizza and cake later with her brothers and my parents.
But now it was finally Saturday. I was free.
I survived the two weeks. I could now have my reward. Being sick in bed without my ever-present responsibilities looming over my head. My partner, best friend, and husband was home. Saturday. Mom heaven.
But there he was. My adorable Peter relentlessly trying to get me out of bed.
“Mommy, I don’t want daddy’s breakfast. I want yours.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
I could hear Joe laughing next to me. I knew he was listening to the hounding I was getting.
“Peter… please honey… I really need to rest.”
“Peter, daddy will get some muffins from Dunkin’ Donuts. Let mommy sleep,” comes the authortative voice of Joe that the kids call the mean-daddy voice.
I slip into the abyss once again.
Sweet slumber.
But not for long.
“Mommy.”
“Mommy.”
“Mommy.”
“What… is… it… Peter.”
“Can I hold your hand?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“I love you mommy.”
“I love you too.”
Now I’m feeling gulity. The poor thing just wants his mother. I remember that feeling too. I also make a mental note to call and thank my mother for not eating her young. I know my sisters and I tortured her when she was sick, just as my son was torturing me now.
“Mommy.”
“Yes baby.” I now use the sweetest mommy voice I can croak out for my sweet child who just wants to cuddle with his mommy.
“Come walk with me to the kitchen and get me something to eat”
“Joe. Get… up… and take him with you before… I sell him.” I croak out before I just pass out and go back to sleep.
It is a hard pill to swallow but I realize why I keep having my recurring dream. There is nobody to call to let them know I won’t be in work today.
Mommies don’t get sick days.
one mom's attempt to find humor in the chaos
Much thanks to Joseph Radigan, who besides being a great husband and father, also uses his talents to gently and ever so tactfully edit my blog. Joe is a business editor at Thomson Reuters in NY.
Hilarious but sad…. Mommy job is the toughest ever, but most satisfying, right?
My love to all three bundles!
Thanks, that’s the story of my life, hilarious but sad!! Lol!! You are right, motherhood is tough but extremely satisfying! Thanks so much for commenting!! xo
I Tania Peagler am a mother of four,and just recently gotten over being sick myself.I felt terrible,but I understand what you feel to be dreaming about job you last worked and wanting to be with your children and husband,and can’t because you might be contagious. God blessed me also with a good husband, because he did the same for me and te kids when I was sick,but I just felt terrible, because the kids especially the baby needed me, my husband was borded without me. I thank God for being with us,and healing me from what ever kind of bug that was.I am glad you are now ok,and you get to be the life of the family again. Always keep God first and he will forever take care of your kids and your marriage. Be blessed Mrs.Kathy Jesus is forever yours. Tania
Sorry you’re feeling so lousy! My baby came home from Kindergarten sick Friday and I ended up having to leave work early because he wouldn’t stop crying for Mommy and started throwing up because he got so upset. I wish we could get sick days…could they just send us to a spa for the weekend? When Daddy gets sick, no one can talk to him…I get sick and it’s a never-ending “mama…mama…MAMA!!” lol
Isn’t it the WORST when our kids get sick? Noah was just sick too (stomach bug), throwing up last Wed. and I couldn’t bear to see him like that. He was crying and I was crying too! You have 3 kids. I don’t know how you do it but reading this post not only makes me want to worship you, but hug you for making me truly feel that I’m not alone. You captured it so well, Kathy…no sick days allowed but I’d rather (not) have a sick day for me than a worry day over my son’s illness. I think you’d agree.
You are so right. When the kids are suffering it’s awful. Especially when they are throwing up and they just lay on you. It’s so scary!! I agree I could forgo a sick day if I didn’t have to have a worry day!! I hope your son is better. The stomach bugs are really hard on them. Thanks so much for your kind words!! Love you!!
Stacey I so feel your pain!!! A spa would be great!!! Just an hour in peace wouldn’t be so bad. Dad’s do have it easier in that front. I don’t think it even matters if you work outside the home or inside the home. My sister can take a sick day at work but when she is home, even though her husband takes care of the kids while she is working, she is still mom and can’t catch a break!! I think we moms need to renegotiate our contracts!!! Lol!! Thanks for visiting and commenting!!
so feel it! I hope you feel better soon!
Thanks!! I will, whether I like it or not!! Lol!!
Very funny and oh so true. There are no sick days, or vacation days. Just last night I was comimg down with something. Didn’t matter though, I still had all my duties to get through. Hope you were able to get some rest. ~KalleyC
Thanks! It’s a tough job we moms have, thankfully the rewards are many!! I still think we have to think about renegotiating our “contract”!! Lol!!
lol No joke! We work 24/7. Great post. I was recently sick and it was hard because my youngest still nurses in the middle of the night a couple times. It was hard on my body, not to mention my oldest kept getting up at night because he was sick too. Thank goodness my husband wasn’t sick. He took some of the load. 🙂 I hope you start feeling better soon!
Sarah, thanks!! When you have babies it’s really tough, because they really “need” you in a way that you really can’t escape!! I’m glad your husband was able to help you! I’m so glad you dropped by today!!
Okay, so I was able to make you and your husband smile with my tale of babies on a mission of destruction while I was sick. I just shared yours with my husband and we had a nice laugh! That’s reciprocity!
Hope you feel better (and glad you didn’t sell the kids!)
Melissa, I still chuckle when I think about what your sweet babies did to you in you hour of need!! Sorry! Feel free to laugh all you want over my pain! Lol!!
I’m glad I did not sell the kids too!! xo
I feel your pain Kathy! It’s so awful when everyone is sick and it just keeps passing from family member to family member. But when it gets Mom down, that’s the worst. Even with all my medical issues, I still have to be a Mom.
I hope you get to feeling better and that your family does, too!! Love you!
Thanks dear friend! Christina I think of you some days when I’m just suffering with a cold, I don’t know how you do it. It’s hard when we are moms because our dear children really do need us in one way or the other no matter how we feel. It’s an awesome responsibility thankfully with awesome rewards!! Love you too!! You are amazing!!
When Mackenzie was a little bit younger than she is now, she used to get mad when I got sick. And, she would try to deny my reality. I’d say “I’m sick” and she’d say “No you are NOT!” It took me a while to realize she was scared I wouldn’t be able to take care of her. Sigh. Being a mom is so wonderful … and so exhausting. Great post. You _deserve_ a day off. You may not get one, but you deserve one!
Rebecca that is really the toughest part, you know they need you and they need to see that you are strong. It must be scary for them when we are sick, I remember feeling that way when I was younger too. But, when you are sick it’s hard to remember that!! Lol!! Thanks! Reading all these comments it looks like we all need a sick day!! xo
This really made my morning, Kathy!
I hope you’re better now, though. Because that’s the bittersweet reality of motherhood – we don’t get sick days even if we’re really sick. 🙂
Thanks so much!! You are right it is a bittersweet reality, though when I think about it I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Thanks for visiting!!
My little man takes such good care of mommy when she’s sick. He’s such a gentleman. Your post made me think about when I’m trying to study and I get interrupted every 15 minutes or so. About the 10th time it happens, and I have this exhausted “are you KIDDING me” look on my face, I’ll say, “What is it this time buddy?” he’ll say, “Nothing. I just wanted to tell you I love you.” haha. Can’t get mad at them for that, right? 🙂
Jackie @
http://www.madjackie.blogspot.com
Jackie, thanks! I’m glad your little guy is so caring! They really just want us, which is very sweet! And, it’s true it’s hard to get mad at them just because they love and need us! Your guy sounds like a doll!! Enjoy!! Thanks so much for dropping by!!
I know this only too well! We just finished up with 2 weeks of illness at my house. For some reason my husband kept thinking he got to rest when I had to keep going!
New follower from the hop (via personal account so it counts). It would be great if you could stop by my page when you get the chance 🙂 My Baby Sleep Guide
Thanks,
Rachel
A new FB follower, forgot to specify :0
Rachel
Rachel, thanks so much for dropping by and thanks for participating in the Social Sunday hop!!
Sorry to hear you guys got hit with 2 weeks of illness too! It really is going around!! Husbands do seem to be better at sleeping than we are, but I think we moms are so plugged into the kids in a way that maybe our husbands are not. When I was little I remember that it was only my mom who could make me feel better and I adored my dad!! Thanks again for dropping by!!
ohhh kathy, i’m so sorry you’ve been so sick. i hope that better days find you very, very soon!!
i laughed that peter woke you up wanting sushi. that is one awesome breakfast. 🙂
happy birthday to lizzy!! 🙁 i’m so sorry she got sick on her day!!
you take it easy when you can and put a “closed” sign on that dishwasher of yours when you can!!
thinking of you, beautiful mama!
xoxoxo
maria
Thanks Maria! I think his new love of sushi is because Tom loves it and everything older brother wants he does too!! I like the idea of putting a closed sign on the dishwasher, maybe I’ll try it!! Much love to you!!
It’s amazing how the kids can sense when moms are sick or getting sick that they want everything but there’s no better care than tissues from your own child or soup from your husband. But you might not want to go into the kitchen after you’ve been sick. It might look like a tornado hit it. Love reading your post that I passed on the Sunshine Award to you: http://goo.gl/xn4YB Congrats Kathy 🙂 And feel better soon.
Barbra, you are right about not wanting to see the kitchen after the kids help you!! But I guess that’s the sweet and sour part of motherhood. Thank you for the great shout out!! Especially since I still don’t feel so sunny today!! Lol!! xo
Kathy the last line was hilarious! I sometimes (or often) want to sell my kid as well!!
I hope you feel better though.. sore throats are the worst.
Thanks!! My youngest has a great sense of humor and will sometimes say “Oh no, mommy’s going to sell me” and then laugh!! Of course I would never do such a thing. I have thought about renting them though.(Only kidding for anyone who doesn’t know me!! I adore my children!!) Lol!!
Your hilarious! I’m glad you didn’t sell you children! And I’m sorry you’ve all been so sick, especially for Lizzy’s birthday!
When I’m really sick my kids usually get non-stop cartoons and pizza. I think they prefer it that way. 🙂 Though I still like to dream of having a nanny fly in and save the day.
Sending hugs and healthy thoughts your way!
Janae you right, there is something fun for them also they know they can get away with so much more because we are down for the count. The funniest post I’ve read about this was Ma Mae Musings post about what happened when she was sick and her husband went to get dinner leaving her with her 18 month old twins. I still can’t believe what those babies were able to get into in a short time!! I want a nanny to fly in everyday!! Where’s Mary Poppins when you need her!!
Hugs right back to you!! xo
I hear ya! No one to call in sick today…thank goodness my kids are well enough to go to school today. Back to bed for me today.
Enjoy your time!! It is precious isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by!!
oh, kathy, poor you… I hope you feel better. this was an amazing post!
Thanks!!! It’s a good thing Peter is so cute!!! The picture you had of Alex and Gracie was way too cute!! xo
Awww! I hope you’re feeling better soon and that everyone in your house gets well! Kids really don’t understand, do they?
They don’t do they? But then again I know I didn’t care when my mom was down, so I guess it’s payback time! Thanks for visiting!! Loved your candle idea for V day!!
So true! About once a year I seem to get that ‘shut the door and don’t bother me unless the house is REALLY burning down’ kind of sickness…it’s hard to retreat like that, but what’s a mom to do? Love your posts, as always.
Ship everyone, including your husband to my house or leave them all there and you come to my house….
You are a good friend!!!! I may take you up on that one day!!! Lol!! Love to you!!
Absolutely, positively, totally and completely HILARIOUS!!!!!
I love you! 🙂
Thank you friend!!! You have to laugh right!! xo
Girl!! I am so sorry you have been sick. There is nothing worse than when you are sick and they are pitifully standing there wanting you. I hope you feel better soon. You were so lucky it hit on a weekend. I hope it doesn’t continue to spread. Lysol, clorox and lysol again!!
I really should have bought stake in the Clorox wipes!! Thanks so much for dropping by!! Hope all is well with you and your beautiful family!!
I know exactly what you mean by this post. Hope you are feeling better now.
Thanks for stopping by!! Being a mom is not for the faint of heart!! Thanks again!
Kathy, isn’t it crazy how we moms have a built in ability to soldier on, no matter the circumstances. I sure hope you are feeling better. Love you, sister!
Erin you are right, we moms do seem to have an ability to carry on no matter what. It is crazy!! I guess it’s that strong mother love we have for our darlings that makes us do whatever we need to do! Thanks for dropping by my dear friend!! I love you!!
This sounds like my house right now, you are a trooper!
Thanks so much!! Congratulations on your daughter birthday! I loved the photos! Hope your family feels better soon. Thanks for visiting!
Aww mommy you absolutely DO get a sick day! Maybe you just have to work it out before you get sick?
My husband takes over completely on the rare occasions when I get sick. I get to sleep all day and not hear a peep. Thank God for him.
You are lucky!! I guess I’m the one who is going to have to change this, I just am not sure how to go about it!! Lol!! Thanks for dropping by!!
This one really hits close to home for me lately! Being 41 weeks pregnant, every day is a struggle to get through. I feel guilty when I can’t do enough for the kids but I am so exhausted I can sometimes barely move. If I had a 9 to 5 job, I would probably have all ready started maternity leave, but there is no maternity leave as a mommy. We sure do deserve some awards for what we do, lol!
Jenn you are so right, there is no maternity leave for mommies either!! The kids do not care that you are growing a human being inside you. When I was pregnant with my third I had morning sickness all the way through and I would be throwing up and my son would walk in and say “Mom I need breakfast” and I would be like, okay, well let me just finish throwing up and I will be right with yo. “Okay”!! 41 weeks!! Yikes! My first was almost 42 weeks. I think once you hit 40 the eviction notice should really go out!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!! So exciting!!
Nope they don’t. But on the chance they get sick, it’s all about “him” relaxing with his feet up.
I do think men and women are different when it comes to this! When my husband is sick, he is sick. When I’m sick I’m still mommy. I have not figured out how to change that, yet. Could it be nature, mom’s are more “connected” to their children, literally? I will have to think about this one! Thanks so much for visiting!
You hit it square on the head again, Kathy! This scene is repeated in countless households across America. Thank goodness for Dad’s who step in and try and manage Dr. duty and kid duty. Us moms sure wear a lot of hats. Hope you are on the mend and Lizzy is feeling better too.
Thanks Kim!! I’m starting to feel better and Lizzy is at school today and I haven’t heard from the nurse yet, so I think we are off to a good start this week!! xo
Ooh, you poor baby. Did they ever get those muffins and is Joe still among the living?
You get better you hear me?!
Kathy…Kathy…KATHY!!!! I wuv you berry much
Sharon
Yes they got their muffins. Once I told Joe I wanted to sell Peter he took pity on me and fed them!! Joe is still among the living, thanks for asking!! I’m on the mend too! Thanks!
I love you too dear friend!! Thanks for always making me laugh!
I hope you are completely feeling better now.
You are right, we don’t get sick days or time to ourselves. As soon as the kids arrive, our ‘life of luxery’ is done! But oh what a blessing they are when they want to snuggle, and at odd moments, kiss your check and tell you they love you.
I love how your site is set up, purdy! 🙂
I am a new follower from google +/networked bloggers.
Regina
http://www.thecrazynutsmom.com
Thanks so much for visiting and following, great to have you here! You are right, children are a blessing, and I do treasure the payments of hugs, kisses, and “I love you’s! I do love being a mom!
Thanks for the compliment on my site, the great Ro Little of Mommy Blog designs did it, and her button is on my sidebar. She is great and a really nice person too! She has several price points to for all kinds of budgets. I don’t mean to be doing a commercial for her, but I adore her! Thanks again for coming by!
I just love you, this post was absolutely perfect. My husband always says he is not a good Mommy and no matter what, he can’t keep the kids from me when I’m sick. Seriously though, it really is the hardest to be sick and a caretaker at the same time. We’ve had the worst sicknesses lately and I had to call my mom to drive 1.5 hours to come help me because I just couldn’t do it alone. Mommies deserve an award! XoXo
Katherine it’s so funny because my own Mom has pulled my behind out of many bouts of plague!! I’m 46, so I guess a Mom’s job is never really done!! The truth is even when grandma is here, they still want me, but my mom is more willing to play hardball with the kids then my husband is!! I’m her baby!!
I love you too! Thanks for always supporting me and dishwasher!! xo
So very true. We had a bas case of the stomach flu that took two weeks to get through every member of the family. Of course, I was the last one. Of course, my one day in bed (as opposed to the 2-3 every other person had) was practically boycotted by the rest of family. If looks could kill, my DH would have dropped dead when he had the guts to ask what was for dinner. lol
There is a look and tone I get with my husband too. I have said to him, if I go this is all your responsibility!! That usually gets me some real help! Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you guys are all better too! The stomach bugs are really the worse because you are spending your time cleaning up floors, children and clothes!!! I love them, but men can sure be clueless sometimes!! Lol!!
Nope, not one day is alotted for us.
Not always fair is it? Lol! Thanks so much for dropping by!!
Aaawww… you’re son is simply the sweetest!
It’s almost a sin for us moms to get sick, as everyone in the house depends on us.
I hope you’re feeling much better now 🙂
My son is sweet and cute, thank goodness! It is a sin for mom to be out sick, everyone does depend on us to set the tone and mom’s really are the heartbeat of the family!!! Thanks so much for dropping by! I am feeling much better too! Thanks for asking!
Hope you’re feeling better, but that was a great story! So adorable how your son wants to hold your hand and be with you….and then wants you to get up and get him breakfast. So funny!! His heart is still in the right place, but the child’s needs want to be met! 🙂
You need a few mental health days while your at it to make up for the two weeks of illness chaos!!
I need a few mental health years!! Lol!! Thanks so much. Peter does crack me up, even when I want to sell him, I adore him!!
So true. You just can’t call in sick when you’re mom – although it would be really nice to be able to sometimes!
Wouldn’t it be nice if just sometimes we could call in sick?!! Thanks so much for visiting!
So true… every now and then I wonder if it’s at all possible to have a day (or two:) where I don’t have to be a mum anymore… just a dream:)
Hope you and your household is back to being healthy soon!
Sending well-wishes your way,
Kristina 🙂
Kristina it’s so true, as I was saying in response to Katherine of Irish Italian Blessings, at age 46 I still use my mom! Motherhood is a wonderful job and the kids are my greatest blessing but I think I’ve got to learn how to shut down, even a little sometimes. Thanks so much for visiting! xo
Kathy, I hope you’re feeling better this week. I know your frustration. The same thing happens to me every time I end up sick. My husband can be really good with keeping the kids out of my hair, but usually he only takes that role seriously when I’m laying listless on the floor near the bathroom because I’ve been puking (or otherwise) for more than a few hours. If it’s just a head cold, he’s less likely to jump out of bed and take care of the kiddos. But the reality is as you said… Mommies don’t get sick days.
Love you, friend!
~Rosann
I still have my school dreams like that, that I forgot to go to class all semester! It’s weird that they carry on 20 years later. When you’re sick like that, it always shows you how dependent everyone is on you for the very smallest things, huh. That household and family only runs with you in charge. I still want my momma too though, even in my 40’s;)
Hope you’re feeling better:)
Sure hope you are feeling better as well as your daughter. Being pregnant sick with number 7, I can totally understand. Mom’s can’t really have sick days. Enjoyed your post. But it does make me feel very appreciative for my mom and all the times I took her for granted.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry! Oh I’ve had days like that and I find myself looking around for the nanny or panic button or something! There’s no time off for mommy’s that’s for sure, even when daddy’s are around! Hope you’re all feeling better soon.
Beck I like the idea of a mommy panic button!! That would be great!! Thanks!1 xo