I am exhausted with a lack of sleep and a surfeit of worry.
Four weeks ago, DD got norovirus. It was disgusting, noisy, and plain debilitating. She just about got over that, when two weeks ago, she got croup. Croup! At the age of nearly-ten. We soldiered on through that and the bone-chilling barking cough which accompanies it. She mustered on.
Two nights ago, she complained her throat was sore. I thought it was the usual mid-term slump kicking in and put her to sleep. She came to our bed in the middle of the night, begging for cuddles. She was absolutely burning up and within a few minutes of holding her, both of us were sweaty and gross. Down the hall I stumbled in search of paracetamol and ibuprofen. You think I’d learn to keep them in my night-stand by now!
She’s been in agony for two days, fighting the fever and not being able to swallow properly without severe pain. I know she’s just got to ride it out but it’s hard to tell her that. I’m her mother and I’m supposed to have magic skills which makes the pain go away, only I don’t, and I can’t. I’m struggling with my fallibility as much as I’m struggling with her pain.
This month has triggered memories of her early months, where we possibly spent more time in hospital than we did at home. When we functioned on adrenalin. When I squashed every emotion, every thought, every fear into a Pandora’s box. I’m ten years older, and hopefully a little wiser now, and I know the repercussions of those actions, but my instinct is to not voice my fear, in the hope that by not naming it, it will not escalate, and it will go away. Far, far away.
Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.
Petal & Mortar 
Hope your daughter feels better soon!
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Me, too. I need the sleep.
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You said it, not for the faint of heart. Just a few days ago, my son threw up all over me. Did not see it coming at all. He cuddled next to me because he had a slight fever and suddenly… !! It sounds like your daughter has been through a lot recently. I hope you all feel better soon. Hang in there!
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Thank you, hope your son is all recovered
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Thanks, he’s fine now. Take care.
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I’m so sorry sickness is searching her out. You must be exhausted of worry and lack of sleep! Hopefully this is her year’s worth of germs and there’ll be no more! 🙂
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Turns out – 6 is the number of times a child in the UK gets sick every year. Urgh. She has tonsilitis so we have the drugs now. Three days to start feeling better.
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Oh no.
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*hugs* That sounds awful. I hope your daughter feels better soon, and you get to catch up on sleep. ❤
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She has some neon radioactive meds and they seem to be working. Her breathing is better and her colour (and appetite!) have returned.
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Ah I hope she (and you and your husband) get some relief soon. ❤
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I don’t think it matters how many years of parenting we have under our belts – seeing our children sick is one of the most heartbreaking things! Hope this is it for the season for you!!!
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