1. Endurance
2. Resilience
3. Tenacity
Children get ill just to show you that you shouldn’t be whining at all if they’re well. I have gone on and on about how Son 1 aged 6y 7m interrupts my sleep because he won’t stay in his own bed. Killing Me Softly Luxury. I’ve had about six hours’ sleep in total in the last three days. Son 1’s burning temperature draws him to the Big Bed, with The Man tramping downstairs at the first whiff of a stirring child. I try not to give Calpol or Ibuprofen at night so I can save the doses for the day. So the hot little form burns up besides me, crying and panting with cracked lips Then there are the glasses of water to get, the hankies to find, the flannels to dab. By 8am I was drowsily aware of The Man placing a mug of coffee beside me. My survival instinct decided to ignore it and tilt me back into sleep. There was a loud whisper in my ear. Son 1. “Mummy! MUMMY!” I opened my eyes. He gazed back at me from a distance of two inches. “Your coffee’s here.”
It poured and poured with rain. The Man went off to The Boat again. I spoke to Younger Sister. Nanna’s foot has swollen up, but they will come over this afternoon to cook tea and give me a break. Son 1’s temperature soared and swooped. Son 2 aged 3 year 7 months stomped around, ignoring every attempt I made to dress him or clean his teeth: “Yeah yeah Mummy, whatever. Do your worst.” Every bloody word I say, played back to me, again and again. Trade Stands He squirmed on to my knee and pointed as I stared, catatonic, at the Sunday paper. “Look Mummy. There’s Prince William.” I will let you know when he finishes his first symphony.
The Man appeared, soaked, with some shopping. “Have you got Son 1’s prescription?” “You didn’t tell me to get it!” Disallowed. He was supposed to stop off on the way home. Back down the hill he went. I did the boys soup again for lunch, and then afterwards sat on the Big Chair together and watched Zulu. They loved it, although Son 2 was unable to grasp the word. “Is that Lulu?” pointing to Michael Caine. “Is that Lulu?” pointing to Jack Hawkins. But there was an easy plot, and shooting and spearing and weapons and bangs, so they were both delighted. I was falling asleep in the chair, so I went for a snooze. Son 1 rounded me up after Nanna and Younger Sister arrived. Remember Remember Tea was ok, with Son 1 managing a few boiled potatoes and some broccoli. Younger Sister took control of bathtime while I just lay on Son 1’s bed. I adore my children but they are draining my lifeforce.
