Sick Day

This is a poem I wrote in 2006, when 2 of my 3 children where home sick.  I added more to it in 2009, and did a little editing just a few days ago when I read it again.  This one is for the moms who feel this struggle.

All stories and poems are the intellectual property of Jennifer Charles.

Sometimes you don't know what to do.
Is it strep throat or the flu?
Will they give these germs to you?
Then you'll be home aching, too.

It's so hard to do it all -
talk to the teacher when she calls,
pick up toys and trains and balls,
wash the crayon off the wall.

When's the vomiting going to end?
I have party invitations I need to send.
Random things go through my mind
while a good night's sleep I try to find.

Homework, practice, go here, go there,
the kids scream, "I need lunch money!
I have nothing to wear!"

I feel so overwhelmed sometimes.
Bills are due and money's tight.
Collectors are calling, the cable's off,
one of the young one's has a cough.

I sink within myself but I'm as far as I can go.
I'm trapped.  I'm stressed.  I'm crying, "How'd I get here?
I don't know."

Then a little one grabs me and says, "Mom, I love you."
Suddenly, all the problems seem really small.
One hug from a child really is the best medicine of all.