One of the toughest things about being a mum is seeing your child sick. I mean it’s not much fun wiping their snotty noses, or finding dried up crustaceans on their pillow, or worse their sleeve. Then there are the endless moans, the clinginess, and worse than that is the middle of the night vomit clean ups! Especially when it manages to get all over the sheets or floor even though you had a bucket next to the bed. Or even worse again when they are sick on their favourite teddy bear (try resettling them without that!)
There is also the time factor, there is just no time to have a sick child, we are busy and we have jobs to get too, deadlines to meet, houses to clean, other children to run around. Oh and my real pet hate is the visit to the doctor, exposing them to even more weird and nasty germs. But no matter how annoying or stinky cleaning up vomit is, or how much it interrupts our busy mum routine, none of that matters compared to how sad it is to have a sick child.
The worry as a parent is so overwhelming when your child is ill. And if you are anything like me when they are really poorly your mind starts to wonder to the worst thought of all, “what if it is something serious”? Panic sets in, it is a horrible feeling. All we want is happy, healthy, active children, and when that is threatened it is very scary.
April has been sick for 4 days, I was on the verge of taking her to the hospital this morning, but she is finally taking a turn for the better. We have had days of vomiting, which started when my girlfriend picked her up from school on Thursday and April threw up in her car! (I’m so sorry my lovely friend). She went down hill from there. She couldn’t even keep water down, let alone some Panadol to help her feel a little better. She was in pain, felt nauseated, had a headache, and was just miserable. For two days I tried getting water and electrolytes into her without any luck. She would try to hop out of her bed only to collapse on the floor and fall asleep beside her bed. She could barely lift her head. She is such a tiny thing already and has no energy reserves. When on day 3 she could only manage sips of water I was beginning to get really worried. But as she lays here next to me now she is a little brighter and has managed to keep water, jelly and electrolytes down today. Finally.
my little girl being comforted by our puppy
I realise though that I am one of the lucky ones. On the whole my children have been very healthy. Yes we’ve had some overnight stays in hospital, asthma attacks, stitches and worst of all when Adam was 3 months he had a serious and unusual infection, but they have gotten through it all and so did their parents (just a few extra grey hairs). But I count my blessings everyday when I see children in the media who are seriously ill or injured. My cousins daughter is right now in the Children’s Hospital. At only 12 years old she is battling a battle no child should have to face. At a time where she should be hanging out with friends, testing her boundaries with her parents, enjoying the joys that come with being a child, and her biggest worry should be what to wear or how she will do on a spelling test. She is instead suffering in pain and fighting for her life. Her younger sister has suddenly been thrust into a world that she is way to young for, and her parents are having to stay strong and positive for their girls when they are really questioning why this is happening and falling apart themselves.
In a couple of days April will be well enough to go back to school and play with her friends and dream about a world that is still full of unicorns and fairies. But my cousins beautiful girls are changed forever. I pray for them that not only do they win this battle together as a family, but also that these sweet girls will grow into amazing women whose strength and compassion will see them thrive in their adult lives. It is impossible to answer the why of situations like this, no child or parent should have to suffer this way, there is nothing fair about it. But for now we will all pull together for my cousins family, we feel helpless, we can’t make it better and I so wish we could, but we can be there for them if they need a place to lean.
I ask you all who read this post to take a moment and say a prayer for my cousins daughter and all the children who are suffering in this world. If you are not one to pray then just send positive vibes their way. Or you can donate to The Royal Children’s Hospital or offer support by clicking on this link. Royal Children’s Support. Or donate to your own local hospital, not just with money, but perhaps with time, books or toys.
Thank you for joining me, love Mackenzie xx
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32 comments
It’s awful when they’re sick isn’t it? I’m glad to hear April is improving. My heart breaks for your cousin and her family. What a nightmare. Sending best wishes xx #mg
thanks so much Kyles that means a lot xx
So horrible! – Thinking of her and hoping your cousins little girl gets better! – Seeing our children sick and in pain is the worst part of being a mother! Thank you for hosting xxx #mg
thanks so much for your caring comment xx
All too true!! I will take vomit and snot anyday if that’s the worst of it…not so good with blood, however…I will say a prayer for your cousin’s daughter. x
thanks Anna. Blood I’m OK with, vomit for me is worse.
It really is worrying when your child is sick. I get paranoid & start worrying it’s something serious as well. And I also hate bringing them to the doctor & exposing to more germs. It’s wonderful that your daughter is feeling better now. You are right, there are so many children who are seriously sick & that puts everything in perspective. Thanks so much for hosting #MG x
It does put things in perspective. It is always hard worrying if they are OK.
Glad April is on the mend. Best wishes to your cousin’s family – such a heatbreaking thing to go through, and I hope they eventually receive some good news. #mg
Thank you we are hoping so too xx
Sending my thoughts and love to your cousin’s little girl and all of your family. I’m so pleased that your daughter is on the mend now. It breaks your heart when they’re poorly and you can’t take it away for them. Dawn x #mg
Thank you for your lovely comment xx
I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. It really does put things into perspective though when our own children are sick and we know, despite feeling helpless at the time, that they will get better when other children are literally fighting for their lives. Thank you for sharing this. Visiting from #mg
Thanks Michelle, yes it puts life into perspective.
It is so sad to hear about your cousin’s daughter, I wish all the best. I hate it when children are sick, I tend to start worrying after a couple of days and never know whether I’m overreacting or not. Sarah #mg
Saying prayers for April’s continued improvement and for your cousin’s little girl. You’re right- it just doesn’t seem fair that some children must fight these terrible battles. Sending you virtual hugs today, Mac. xx #Mg
Thank you, April is still home and mending, it’s a slow process, I am just praying my cousins daughter recovers well too x
Its hard when any child is sick, so I cant imagine how much worse it is for your cousin or any of your family at the moment. I will indeed send them positive thoughts this evening.
Wishing them all the best xx #mg
Thank you so much for sending positive thoughts xx
Dealing with sIckness is definitely the worst part of parenting. I hope April is up and about soon. I will pray for your cousin and her family X X X
Thank you so very much Lisa, that means so much xx
I’m so sorry Mackenzie firstly that April has been so sick and secondly your cousin’s daughter’s illness. Children shouldn’t be made to suffer but unfortunately that is life. My thoughts and best wishes go to you, your family and of course your Cousin’s daughter and her family. Take care my friend. xx
Oh dear, hope April recovers soon. Sending positive thoughts to your cousin’s daughter and all the children who need them as well. You’re such a thoughtful Mummy/person. xx
thank you for your positive thoughts an for the lovely comment xx
I exactly know how it feels as my little girl is now so poorly too… been, coughing, vomiting and with high temperature, been like this since sat.. I have to be off work. I know we sometimes complain when situation like this comes our way, but looking at how other people’s situations, we should say we’re lucky enough. Sending prayers and good vibes to you and to your friend too! #mg
Oh poor April, hope she starts to feel better soon. It’s such a worry when the little ones are poorly. Lots of best wishes to your cousin too xx #bestandworst
thank you so much xx
It is just awful when they are sick and I panic and think the worst – especially after a few days. You imagination runs riot. So sorry about your cousin’s daughter. No one should have to face that and sending all the luck in the world. Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst and see you soon xx
I always panic after a few days, she is still sick but slowly picking up. Can only imagine what my darling cousin is going through
It’s so horrible to see our children so poorly. Sending my love and thoughts to your family. #mg xx
Ugh, sick children is just the worst, but we’re fortunate it’s never been anything truly serious.
Praying for your cousin’s family.
#bestandworst
oh thank you so much lovely xx
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