Sick and Messy

     Once my kids started going to school I resigned myself to the fact that we are getting sick.  Kids are gross.  Kids will cough right into your open mouth.  Kids will sneeze right into your open eyeball.  Kids will wipe their runny nose on literally anything.  As soon as one of my kids gets sick it becomes a carousel of sickness in our house.  The sickness keeps going around and around until it has finally hits every family member.  Unfortunately the only family member that doesn't get a sick day is the Mom.  Moms don't get sick days.  Moms don't get days off.  My two year old could care less if I feel like death.  She still needs to be fed.  She still needs to have her diaper changed.  She needs her boo boos kissed and her morning snuggles.  All these things still have to happen whether I feel like it or not.  I could have a migraine so bad that I might actually vomit but I still need to make breakfast for my kids.  I could be losing my voice from post nasal drip but I still have to yell to get my kids to the bus on time.  I could be coughing to the point of being dizzy but I still have to change my toddlers clothes after the decided to play in the bathroom sink.  Mom's don't get days or rest only small moments within those days of sick.

     Feeding these people takes most of my energy especially while I am sick.  I still need to make sure these kids are staying alive even when I feel like I'm dying.  This task does not have to be fancy.  They don't need pancakes made from scratch for breakfast, they just need food. Who decided that chips can't be breakfast?  Who decided that three packages of fruit snacks wasn't an appropriate dinner?  Who decided that a bag of popcorn doesn't qualify as lunch?  These rules were forced upon us and in a state of sickness can be tossed out the window.  It doesn't mean that you should allow fruit snacks for every dinner but it is also not going to kill them.  When all your energy is funneled into getting well the energy has to come from somewhere else. Feeding my children three meals a day plus additional snacks requires a tremendous amount of energy.  Choosing the path of least resistance is a great way to relax and survive.

      As a mom it is hard to rest while you see the world you've made burning down around you.  Logically I know that I have to sit on this couch to get better.  Logically I know that I need to relax so I can take care of my family better.  Logically I know the quicker I heal the quicker I can get back to doing my mom job.  However, it is still hard not to get disappointed when you are sitting while things literally pile up like dishes and laundry.  During my current sickness my two year old has taken it upon herself to become more independent.  One part of me wants to celebrate her new found independence and one part of me wants to hide while she destroys everything.  

      Everyone else gets days off.  Dad's take a day off work and relax and nap.  Kids take a day off school to refresh and feel better.  Nothing piles up during those days that are taken.  The world continues moving like a well oiled machine.  They complete their rest and head back to work or school without missing much.  Moms don't have the same luxury.  Our moments of rest cause a massive pile up in the everyday workings of the house.  When a mom gets sick she comes back to a year's worth of laundry.  When a mom gets sick she comes back to a house that looks like it has been robbed.  When a mom gets sick she comes back to a pantry and fridge that have been ransacked by tiny raccoons.  Everything can be fixed later so it's important to take the time to rest and heal.  When you are at your best you can do the best for your family.  No illness will last forever so take your time to feel better.  It will help you be the best mom you can be.