Halloween has just come to and end, all the children are breathing a sigh of relief that the scary time of year is over. However, for moms (and dads) the most frightening time of year has only just begun. It’s Winter germ season ya’ll, buckle up.
My household is currently recovering from a massive cold. I’ve decided that there is nothing worse as a mother than being sick. Why? Because guess what, no one cares.
Ok, that’s not completely true. My husband gave me every opportunity possible to rest. I went to bed early, I skipped bath duty, I didn’t cook a dang thing. My one year old, on the other hand, had no sympathy. None. Why didn’t mommy want to play? Why couldn’t we go to the park? None of this made sense to her, so on top of illness, I had a cranky toddler to deal with.
For the past two weeks (except for Halloween night because I was so not missing my daughter’s first trick-or-treat) I’ve stayed home as much as possible.
I try my best to keep my families germs away from others. While I know life can’t stop for most people because of a cough I wish it could. I never understood why we “push through” being sick in our society. It’s as if saying you need a day or two to rest and recover shows some kind of weakness.
This couldn’t be farther from the truth you guys! All you do when you “push through” is spread the germs to others and prolonged your own illness. Trust me, no one goes home from church and talks about how strong your family is for hacking up a lung the entire service. We go home and wait with bated breath for our own body to ache.
Something I didn’t consider until a few years ago were our immune-compromised friends. I’m sad to say it had to complicate one of my best friends lives for this population of our communities to become an active thought in my mind. My friend’s son was born extremely pre-mature. Without going into everything, which isn’t my story to tell, I can tell you that their experience taught me that your minor cough could mean pneumonia for someone else.
Now Obviously you can’t put caution tape over your door and barricade yourself every time you get the sniffles but you CAN do a few things to make the lives of others easier during your illness.
If you have a fever- stay home.
If you are throwing up- stay home.
If you have been diagnosed with a highly contagious illness (such as the flu)- Stay home for the recommended time.
For all of the above, I’m sorry friend, the world with just have to go on without you. You probably can’t keep your own household from catching it but you can save the innocents outside of your domain.
For the more minor stuff use your best judgement. If you can’t take two steps without coughing or sneezing, you should probably stay home. If you feel like you are on your way to recovery then make outings quick and avoid places of confined space.
Yes, I did go trick-or-treating with my daughter with a cold. I was not coughing or sneezing regularly at that point and we were outdoors. I also kept a distance from other children.
We’ve skipped story time at the Library, We’ve passed on play dates, and countless other activities to try and keep the safety of others. The mothers that knew why we were skipping were grateful and I’m sure those who had no clue would have voted we stayed home as well.
So as this wonderful time of year commences, I ask you to stop and consider others before you attend events or go see that brand new baby. Yes, you will be missed. Yes you will be sad and feel left out. I promise you, you would feel worse if that 3 week old landed in the hospital.
Remember, there are no trophies at the end of all of this. Take care of yourself, take care of others, and above all FEEL BETTER SOON! 
