Tatum has been home sick since Monday.
She came back from church camp Sunday night already feeling awful. By Monday morning the fever had arrived, and it stayed for three long days. When the fever finally eased, the nausea and stomach issues took its place. It’s been one of those weeks where the body just refuses to cooperate.
Today she stayed home again, trying to catch up on schoolwork before the last day of the quarter tomorrow. Tests, assignments, all of it waiting.
It’s been a hard few days.
Not just because she’s been sick, but because I’m not exactly at my strongest either. I wanted to be the kind of mom who effortlessly fixes everything. But this week looked different. I simply did the best I could.
We watched a lot of Downton Abbey. Both movies. And she slept ALOT.
We navigated high fevers, empty stomachs, and the frustrating cycle of trying to eat and not being able to keep food down. On Wednesday she broke down crying.
“I HATE being sick!”
Of all people, I understand.
When you’re sick long enough, the emotions come in waves. First you get angry. Then you get sad. Then you get mad again. It’s exhausting, and it feels unfair.
I didn’t try to fix it.
I just sat with her in it.
Because sometimes the best thing a mom can do is simply understand the feeling.
I love that girl so much. Watching her suffer hurts in a way that’s hard to describe. If I could take it from her, I would in a second.
She isn’t alone.
Not for a second.
So I sing to Ollie. I stare at Coopy as he looks at us from below (please let me come up there!!)
Get better Taties. WE all love you so much!