Turning point

The last two weeks have been very difficult. I have been stretched and pulled in more directions than I ever knew existed. My kids and Mr Clean have been sick. It started out with Pteradactyl boy getting an ear infection. Then Mr Clean was struck down with the flu. He spent an entire week, yes, seven full days, laying in the bed barely moving. And in the meantime the Banimal got an ear and sinus infection which set off his asthma so we got to do more antibiotics and breathing treatments.

I am exhausted. But I am also proud of myself. I managed to take care of everyone, well, in all fairness, Mr Clean took care of himself mostly. All he really needed was boxes of Kleenexes and occasional tylenol and water. But the kids are always high maintenance when they are sick. I also didn't let the house go to the degree I normally do when we are all sick.

Mr Clean being sick was a big handicap. He is my righthand man. He always helps with the kids in the evenings so that I can get things done. So I was amazed that I was able to do it all.

Mr Clean always goes to the doc with me when I take the kids so taking them to the doctor without him seemed like a daunting task. Especially since it was the Banimal that was sick. Even though he is the oldest, he is definately the more clingy of the two. So he always wants to be held. The problem is that the Pteradactyl boy can't walk yet so you have to hold him. While we were in the doc's office in the waiting room the Banimal spiked a fever and started puking. Luckily we made it to the bathroom. My situation along with the fact I hadn't slept in weeks almost brought me to a breaking point. But I came to my senses and realized that even though I really just wanted to cry more than anything, it wouldn't do anyone any good. So I sucked it up and handle things.

There are a couple of things that I have learned over the last couple of weeks. I am more capable than I ever imagined. But that I truly have to depend on God for my stregnth. Sunday I was falling apart at the seems, but I just told God (what He already knew) that I couldn't do this on my own that I needed His stregnth to sustain me. And sure enough I felt renewed. The other thing is that the life of a single mother must be very difficult and almost overwhelming at times. I have so much respect for single moms. This past week was a little glimpse into what things might be like for them. (Only I knew that in a few days Mr Clean would be back on his feet.)

Hopefully, today will be our turning point. Everyone seems to be getting better. Mr Clean is up around which makes things ten times easier. I am so ready for cold and flu season to be over and for warm weather to get here. I am tired of cold and snow and snotty noses and coughs. I want to think about the beach and warm breezes.