Two Persons Down

At 3 am (why is it always 3 am?) a hot flash wakes me. I lay quietly with my arms outside the blanket in the cool air and listen. My lover dreams on and I shift to wrap myself back around him. The night is quiet. My son who had a tooth removed earlier in the day is still passed out- a fitting end to almost two weeks of issues with an abscessed tooth. My oldest seemed fine but complained that her chest felt heavy. I put her to bed hoping it was nothing.

But I'm listening to myself. I recognize the sound. My lover has dealt with acid reflex for too long for me not to know the distinct sound of rails- like crinkly plastic as your lungs labor. Steadily in and out I breath, fascinated. Finally, a catch in my throat prompts a cough and it is gone. It is then I realize my own lungs are tight. I get up, drink, pee and take some supplements. Sleep takes me to the alarm but it is then that I realize this day is shot.

We assess the rest of the house. My daughter is more sick than I and I am not functioning well at all. My boy is ready to soar though. My lover takes on my roles but it is unfamiliar to him, this tending sick people. If we would just be in a medical emergency, he'd know exactly what to do. This, the slow frantic waiting on the invalid, is a new one. But one that only requires compassion and a little tutoring on my part.

Love is definitely all you need in situations like this... and a grocery run to the health food store.

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Comment by Kerry Logan on February 3, 2013 at 9:33am: Thanks Joey. Finally broke the fever last night. Now I just have to clear this stuff out of my lungs without popping a rib loose. Gak.

Comment by Joey Delgado on February 1, 2013 at 1:51pm: Great portrait of the family. Also an extremely relevant post. There is something going around this season that is just abysmal, I hope all of you are well and carrying on. Nothing better than to have loved ones care for you when you're sick. It's a blessing.

Comment by Kerry Logan on January 31, 2013 at 9:28pm: I think compassion, just like hate can be taught. And some come with natural gifts of it. Thank you for your kind words. We'll make it. Just not today.

Comment by Sandra Davies on January 30, 2013 at 11:53pm: Sympathy for the abcess and admiration for the writing, as always. And reminded, once again, that compassion cannot be taught but those who have it should be lauded fr more than they are. Hope you and yours get well soon.