Well, it’s summer time and my daughter was just diagnosed with the flu… The three-letter word that no parent wants to hear from the doctor. Despite my understanding that the flu was more commonly a winter virus. Ugh! With kids, there is no telling what they will pick up and per a local pediatrician, summer colds and the flu are in full swing here in Georgia.
Because I have CF, I must keep my distance as much as possible from my kids when they are sick. I think we (parents) can all agree this is one of the hardest things to do as a parent, not be there for your child when they need you the most.
Due to cystic fibrosis, my lungs are already compromised making the flu an extremely hazardous bug. As a matter of fact, any bug my kids catch can be detrimental to my health if they pass it along. If you have children, I am sure you understand how difficult it would be to NOT catch something from them. It seems like kids are passing colds and other bugs nonstop all year round.
Granted, I think my daughter is okay with me giving her some “space” since she is 13 after all. I try to hug her as many times as I can each day regardless. However, it is important she keeps her distance as she recovers. Some parents would be ecstatic that they can throw their teenager in quarantine for a while…
The truth is that I feel guilty. Guilty that my wife must do 99% of the work with my kids while they are ill, and of course sad that I am not able to help my baby girl feel better when she is sick. Andrea is amazing as a mom and this is just one more thing I ask of her. Due to my CF, she is always the parent to take the kids to the ER or Urgent Care when they are sick.
Avery is on the mend, thank goodness, but my guilt that I can’t be there for her when she needs me most – well, that never seems to get better. Let’s just hope this is the last big bug in our house as we kick it into summer mode!
Live your dreams and love your life.
Andy