For the past six weeks, at least one person in our family of three has been sick. From allergies, to the common cold to sinus infections and bronchitis, it doesn’t seem like we can catch a break.
This is doubly depressing for me, because October is my absolute favorite month of the year, and we’ve spent the first weekend of it quarantined hunkered down in our little house trying to recuperate. A can of Lysol and copious amounts of hand sanitizer have become my only allies in the fight against these nasty germs, which seem to have taken up permanent residence in our home. In fact, I’m beginning to think that this is where germs come to retire. “Make yourself at home, germs! Dinner is at 6 and shuffle board is at 7 p.m. sharp!”
This bout of sickness is new for me. The last time I had a fever (before last week) was in 12th grade when I got mono. Jake rarely gets sick, and up until last month, Owen had never even had an ear infection, much less a DOUBLE ear infection.
By Wednesday of last week, I was really starting to feel down – both physically and emotionally. I kept telling myself that it could be so much worse. That we could have serious health problems and that we’re fortunate only to be battling a silly cold. But when you’ve had little sleep (and what sleep you do get is restless) everything seems just a little more dramatic, doesn’t it? Being a mom in a house full of germs is hard, and I just loved whining about it.
But then, I read this post and saw this graphic on momastery.com. (If you’re not reading Glennon Melton, you should be.)
Talk about a wake up call. Whining to myself or to Jake or to my mom or to my friends isn’t going to change the fact that mothering is challenging – that life is challenging.
So on Friday, I decided to change my perspective (like Glennon suggested). I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some fall decorations. I bought a few seasonal candles at Target. On Saturday, I made chicken soup and apple pie (find me on Pinterest for recipes). I couldn’t cure the common cold, but I could get creative and find ways to make my family more comfortable. And you know what? It worked. We’re all feeling a little better today.
The only way to enjoy this precious life I was given is to accept that it’s really hard and try to handle it with confidence, grace and creativity.
And sometimes, Lysol.
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Love it, and love you guys! :*
I think if you just recognize that it’s hard and that some parts are really going to suck, it’s much easier to handle things. Anyone that says being a mom is easy is lying out their teeth and probably has a nanny and cleaning lady. It’s tough work but when Sully is in a good mood, I know how lucky I am to be this little boy’s mom.
I also read something on PInterest (aka my creative conscience) about putting Eucalyptus oil on cotton balls throughout your house as well as heating some in a pan with some water on your stove. Apparently it helps clear up sinuses and is antibacterial. Might give it a shot. When has Pinterest EVER lied? Don’t answer that. Hope you guys get on the upswing soon!