I am sick. It's just a cold, but it is a bad one, and the longer I sit up (rather than cuddled in bed with piles of blankets) the worse I feel. But then, work must be done, and I can't really afford the time off. And besides, I don't have my mom to take care of me.I hate being sick. I don't like sleeping all day (never did). I don't like being forced to be lazy. And I don't like getting the chills. Worst of all, I don't like being beholden on others. But the truth is, there is no way I can get through the day without the help of others when I am really sick, because I am utterly incapable of making decisions.
I remember the first time I was really really sick (and was old enough to recall it). I had chills and fever, and Dad was home from work with the same thing. He made me jello and I got to drink cherry 7-up. I think he even managed to stir up enough energy to draw me some horses. Then there was the time I was sick in 5th grade. I had delirious dreams in the break room, till our babysitter could come pick me up (a matter of minutes, no doubt, but it seemed like ages). I had never been so cold in my life. She just picked me up and carried me to the car, and I was quite limp. I made no decisions, I had no will. Later, feeling a little better, Mom watched movies with me, as I lay on the couch, and Dad brought me back a pink rose from the vendor outside his office.
The truth is, being sick when you're not home is no fun. I know I shouldn't complain: after all, Dad was sick that first time, and he still had to take care of me! But, every time I get sick, even though I know exactly what to take and how much and that I should drink plenty of water, I still call mom, recite the litany of symptoms, wait for her response ("Drink lots of water. Sleep.") (With Moms like that who needs doctors?!).
I don't suppose I'll ever grow out of that. And even if I have someone someday to keep me company during the sickness (no matter how minor), I'll still wish I was a kid, being taken care of, and not really worrying about anything, and, most of all, not needing to make any decisions!
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4 comments:
Everyone loves a good mom when they are sick! I don't like being sick, but everyone likes to be babied a little bit. It is rough being sick on your own. So in the place of your mother - get rest, drink water and OJ!! And the best medicine - even if you don't want to sleep all day - read Jane Austen novels and sit in your bed or your favorite chair. If you have to work - be sure to make it your weekend plan :-)
I hope you feel better soon! Even when you are a mother, when you're sick, all you still want is to have your mother around. It's funny b/c I have never had a super close relationship with my mom, and being sick is one of the few times when I feel like I depend on her, but it's still true that I wish she were near every time I start feeling ill. Oh--and I also remember waiting in the office at school for her to come get me when I was sick in sixth grade. I remember that more vividly than most other grade school memories!
Feel better, you!
Being sick while married isn't usually much better (for a woman). My husband loves me and tries to take care of me, but he just doesn't have the mothering instincts. I think he feels bad when I say I want my mommy when I'm sick, but I can't help it, no one can replace her!
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