When Thunder Was Sick

Mommy? I threw up.

The words no parent wants to hear in the middle of the night. The words that launch a tired body out of bed, fumbling around for a light, and hoping that they made it to a toilet or a bin or a bucket. Those moments are all reflex. You're too tired to be anything but that. In those moments, your whole self is exposed. Sometimes, the results are surprising.

Chief was asleep through the whole process. I was neither resentful or upset about this. Vomit makes Chief vomit, and it's not really a lot of fun to deal with two sick people. This is where I can shine: my nugget is sick and she needs my help, my heart, my comfort. Rise to the freaking occasion, self. No matter how tired you are.

Up we go to the bathroom. She made it to a bucket (THANK YOU JESUS!), but she's got some on her face. I clean her up, and the bucket, and lysol everything down. My beautiful child, in her beautiful child wisdom, thought to put her hair back because she was feeling a bit nauseous before she went to bed (thank You Jesus times two!), so there was nothing in her hair.

Sleepy arms and legs, walk her back to her bed and tuck her in.

Mommy? When I threw up, Boe tried to come and get you for me. But he couldn't open the door.

Really? That was so sweet of Boe! I think it's because you're his little mumzy and he wants you to be okay.

She smiles.

My mind is launched back to a few weeks earlier. She had an MRI because there was some concern that she had a very, very serious condition (she does not have that serious condition. Thank You Jesus times three), and had to be put to sleep for the test. The staff told her that she would have to be awake before they could come and get me, so she was prepared to wake up alone. The anesthesiologist was beautifully wonderful and had the nurse get me before she was awake. When she opened her eyes, she looked up at me and smiled. Through her sleepy, drug-induced haze, she exclaimed You're here!!!! and grabbed me. It was so beautiful the nurse said "Oh my! I'm tearing up! I've never seen a reaction like that! It is SO sweet!"

I'm here, my priceless nugget.

I ran my fingers through her hair, while soaking it in. I'm here. For this moment, I can hug you and hold you and show you that you're not alone. For this minute, I can comfort you and shield you with the magical powers that this Mom's been given. For now, I can rub your achy back, and calm your shaky body, and wait until you fall asleep.

How beautiful it is to be present. I found myself saying "God? I wish she wasn't sick, but I'm so thankful for this opportunity to be here with her."

Being a Mom is fantastic. I am so fortunate that I am one. May I never take a second of it for granted.