The flu struck our house yesterday. My stomach was aching at about one o'clock in the morning. I tossed and turned and was burping and tasting my medication and vitamins I took right before bed. Maybe I didn't eat enough with it. But when a salty rush of saliva coated the inside of my mouth I laid in bed in denial an extra few seconds before realizing I was running out of time. While hobbling to the bathroom (knee surgery was March 13) I clamped both hands over my mouth only to divert the flood through my nose. I couldn't kneel over the toilet and had to hover and aim the best I could. It was very awkward. So wasn't every other instance yesterday.
My mom was a life-saver. She and her husband, Mark, had flown out the day before JG's mom, Martha left. I desperately needed the help after the surgery. My mom made me broth, gave me crackers, took care of the boys while I rested. Then about lunchtime it hit Zachary. He cried. He screamed. He cried and screamed "I need to go to the hospital" each time he went into the bathroom. A couple hours later it hit Edward - only it was coming out both ends. We learned that Edward could not anticipate diarrhea. Ever. We also learned he could not anticipate puking. Ever. About the time I could hold down a sip of water Grandma and Grandpa were starting to feel ill. I'm just now getting over the sweats, chills and body aches and cramps. The boys? Both were just about back to normal by 7 a.m. Youth.
Luckily Michael isn't sick. I'm guessing the antibodies in the breast milk were waiting on the virus.
Our housekeeper, Jackie, came this morning. I met her at the door and told her we had flu and not to worry about cleaning. She said it didn't bother her and alluded to the fact that she bled bleach and pine sol. I was thankful for the extra disinfecting.
I feel bad Mom and Mark have to travel home feeling ill. It's no fun being sick in the comfort of your own home - traveling while sick, ugh. I hope they're over it before their plane leaves first thing in the morning.
So, now, all the family is gone. I burned all the leave I can to help me ease back into the current normal routine of work and kids. I need to tackle the next few months so they go by fast. I'll be starting physical therapy soon to rehabilitate the knee and finishing the film class I got an incomplete on last year.
Life is so much better and easier with JG - I hate being apart from him. I can't wait to spoil him with good food and affection. I can't wait for family movie nights with the whole family. My cold feet miss stealing his warm at night. But, mostly, I think that I miss making him laugh and smile the most - in person. There's only about 12 more weekends, five more pay days and three more mortgage payments to get through before I can try.
