suddenly sick

 

When the zesty verve and energy that marks the character of a two year old leaves, it can be a strangely disquieting event in the life of a parent.  Charlie was fine on Friday, of course.  It's only when doctors' offices are closed that your child comes down with some cross between SARS and yellow fever.  So we found ourselves on a Sunday, caring for a knocked out, energy-less little boy with a fever of 103F and listless eyes.  The big tip off was that he didn't want to go in the pool.   The only plus of a sick child is that they need you.  They need you in a way that you've never felt before.  You feel equal parts stronger than you've ever felt in your life and completely helpless but you are the one they are looking to.  They are subdued and sweet.  There are no temper tantrums, no whining, no rude retorts.  Just a sick little kid who needs a big hug and plenty of fluids.  So the juice boxes are dusted off from the back of the cupboard and the hugs are dispensed with all the love in your heart until you go to the doc to find out he has a double ear infection and this magic potion will make him all better... and then he's better.  And the tantrums, whining, and rude retorts return to signal his recovery.  But that's only a small part of the time.  The rest of the time, he's your rambunctious, cheeky, exuberant little boy who still, at a fundamental level, really needs his Mama and Papa.