Our friend Ralph

Not really up to my usual clever-title standards; I apologize. It's been a long weekend. Jonathan was really crabby and fussy the last two days. Last night he had a fever of 102.2, and got a dose of Tylenol. This morning, he woke Chris up at 6 AM, asking to use the potty. Chris then woke me up at 6:03 AM, asking for help as the two of them were covered in "throw-up."

In contrast to his earlier whininess, Jonathan when truly sick exhibits a queer and touching dignity. He covers his mouth delicately when he coughs, and offers a sad little "excuse me" after throwing up. It's enough to break your heart. He looks up at you with enormous eyes and says "Mommy, I don't feel very well. I would like some medicine, please." We've been talking about the work we do when we leave the house in the morning. Jonathan goes to do his works at preschool, and Mommy goes to the hospital to fix people. I don't feel like much of a doctor when my sweet little boy is lying in bed instead of romping about, asking "Mommy, can you fix my tummy?"

And to compound the maternal guilt, I have to be careful not to pick him up or offer any kisses beyond one on top of the head. I am sitting the nephrology boards tomorrow, at a cost of $1500, and the test is offered once a year. I called and asked what would happen if I get similarly ill tomorrow morning. Apparently, if I cancel before 11:59 pm tonight, I get a 50% refund and can apply that towards next year's exam. Awesome. So I'm in quarantine until leaving for Chicago tonight.