I reach over to stroke his hair, purposefully avoiding his forehead. I’m almost afraid to check his temperature. The fever that set in days ago has been relentless, holding steady between 102 – 104.
The stars from the turtle nightlight illuminate the ceiling as they have for almost 5 years, stretching themselves across the door-frame, windows and closet door.
Why does it take sickness to slow me down? It reboots my perspective like nothing else. Lying in this bed, converted three times now, from crib to toddler to full size, on the jersey sheets, the whole world is right here in this moment. It’s quiet. The only sound is congested breathing from my almost 5-year-old and the patterned sleepy sounds of my 6-year-old in the bed next to his.
I find myself asking, “What did I accomplish today?”
I turn and look at my beautiful boys. The silhouette of their peaceful faces not hidden by the darkness.
I did what no one else on this earth could do the way I can. I soothed a sick little boy. I listened to the goings on of a 1st graders day while overseeing his homework. I prayed for physical healing and restoration. I fed, bathed, brushed the teeth and tucked in two little blessings dressed as my sons. I sang songs and rubbed warm, fever ridden backs and I thanked God for grace. I thanked Him for this incredible life of motherhood, redemption and unconditional love that is in fact…anything but ordinary.
This is the first time in several months I have participated in #FiveMinuteFriday. I am reminded of why I love this community so much. Wanna play? Here’s the skinny…
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Even A Girl Like Me 
I do this too, feel worthless in the very act of nursing my sick kids! One of the most important callings I have going for me. Because when you’re sick, you want mom… and I’m mom now, so I better love my mad nursing skills.
I know, right?! We need to get back to basics and appreciate all of the things we do!
Those touches when one is sick are anything but ordinary. The comfort of one who loves being close by is the best medicine. Being there is accomplishing a lot…. for it is where you were needed and wanted. One’s time and presence is at times the most precious gift of all. I am sure your sons felt that.
Thank you, Mark.
I’m a terrible nurse so honestly, it’s difficult for me to be there as well as I need to be when they’re sick. But I’m getting better. I’m learning. I’m growing out of my utter selfishness 🙂
I have tears reading this. My day was the full spectrum of motherhood. Quality time with both girls separately, even got in a 30 minute workout while they BOTH napped, thought “i got this…I’m in a rhythm and LOVE it!” and then after nap the day just went south. Aaaahhh….and now the mom guilt. But I can go in and rock them both now, and I will. It’s true, no more important job in the world, none full of more joy, and none harder.
I need to get back to blogging…haven’t since Lu was born. I miss it..just trying to find the inspiration. I’m not a ” here’s what we did today” blogger, but seem to have lost my “voice” lately. Guess it’s just been busy. 😉 I love reading yours though!! I’ll join back in soon.
Ugh, that motherhood guilt! It’s not from God. You know that 🙂
I know what it feels like to lose your voice. You haven’t lost it, it’s just busy doing other things right now. It’s a season. You know all of that.
Just start writing. I think you’ll be surprised what will emerge 🙂