A sick mom is not a fun mom
Most people recover from the flu at home with some tender loving care and by following doctor's orders for medications and treatment. Credit: Fotolia
Other moms, married moms, often ask me, “How do you do it?” when it comes to the logistics of my son’s extra-curricular activities and other child care planning.
The truth of the matter is, as a single parent, I don’t see much difference between myself and other parents with two or more kids. It’s hard, but doable. I rely somewhat on family, and on a neighbor -- who is also a friend and single dad, and of whom there is a bit of a loose reciprocal agreement. I spend a lot of money on babysitters when it comes to work. I changed jobs so I can be home earlier. Mostly, the balls stay in the air rather well.
But at the first sign of getting sick, all the balls come tumbling down.
Last week was a good case in point. I spent the weekend pretty much in bed except for taking my son to his basketball game. I have worked every day, but my stuffed sinuses have begged me to go home afterward and stay there. "No can do," I tell my achy self, because there are cub scouts and a car that needs repair and basketball practice.
I’ve met those obligations, but on others I have been remiss, including reading with my 10-year-old (he still needs me to read with him because he only came to this country three years ago). Laundry was not done. And dinners were a lot of quick fixes.
My son will live, of course. No damage done. But it reminds me of how much he depends on me -- and only me -- for so much in his life. That thought can be heavy stuff. Even heavier than my presently stuffed-up head.
