it's that time of the year again

it's that time of the year again. coughing thickens. fever rises. and school days are missed.

Will slips his little hand into mine and looks up at me expectantly with a face full of love and exhausted from repeated bouts of asthma. I've been staying home with him for a week now. printing coloring pages, reading children's books. waking up in the middle of the night, every night. watching him gasp for air, his lungs fighting but unable to suck in what they need. and falling asleep to the sound of his heavy breathing, guilt and fear gripping my heart and with nothing but a silent prayer to comfort my sick child.

I softly stroke the hair off my little boy's forehead, trying to gently remind myself that this is life. that kids get sick. but kids are tough and they do get through these things.

I know. I know we'll get through this. but sometimes it's hard. some days it's just too hard.

Comments

[shaz]

awwww, irene, be strong, for the boys at least. every mother knows the hurt and helplessness of having a sick child. take care.

with love, Shaz.

[Sarah]

I feel exactly the same way. As much as I know that it is what he has to go through (and it will make him stronger in the the end...) I still can't help pulling him into bed with me everynight so that I know that at least he is cozy and warm in my arms.

[Aimee]

I hope he gets well soon! Sening good vibes your way... you're love for your family is amazing, Irene!

[Angela]

I'm so sorry, your little one is sick, that's definitely one of the most awful things about being a parent, watching your child suffer and not being able to do anything to help. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way that your son feels better soon and that you find the strength to get through this. You are right, kids are strong and he will get through this.

[Ronica]

Oh hon, sending hugs. I know how frustrating it is to not be able to heal.

Have you tried boiling water to help humidify the air? It may help him clear things out of his sinuses and lungs. We just got a humidifier, and it's made a big difference in our breathing, our skin and hair, and Dr. B's snoring. :) (YAY!)

[Waya]

It's so hard to see your children get sick. But you are right, kids are very resilient. They are stronger than we are sometimes. Warm hugs to Will and you, hoping he'll get better very very soon.

[jenny vorwaller]

han gin there sweetie. i would be over with a chick flick and some popcorn after they went to bed....but alas....so far away! ):

so instead....an ehug.

:)

[Vanessa]

So very sorry, Irene, that Will's sick. Hope he's getting better by the minute. I'll be thinking about you all.

[chickenflicken]

My little girl had allergy-induced asthma as a baby and it seemed like one minute she was sniffling, the next minute she would be barking like a seal over and over til she threw up. It's so hard to feel so helpless to do something to ease your child's discomfort. I hope Will feels better quickly, and I hope you get some rest.

[carol]

I think that Will is a little younger than my Ella and I have good news! She has only had one small bout of bad asthma/bronchial crap this fall. I even have taken her off Singulair for awhile now and she's fine. Maybe as they age, their lungs get better at handling all of this.

Who knows? I have my fingers crossed for both of our beautiful kids.

[laurie]

i'm so sorry to hear about will. there are few things worse than your baby being sick. no matter how old your baby is. i hope he gets better quickly.

[Jenny]

Little Will...get well soon.
My prayers are with you. You're a loving and caring wonderful mom. Hang in there and God bless~.

[Elaine]

I hear you. But then, you already knew that.

Get well, little bean. We're thinking of you with every breath.

[Krystyn]

Oh little dude, hang in there. I'm crossing my fingers along with Carol.

[Chris]

*hug* He's lucky to have such a devoted mom. Sending him lots of healthy thoughts!

[joleen]

first time visit..

hope he's well soon!!

[jess]

i loathe asthma.

it makes winter miserable.

i understand. really.

take care irene and beautiful boys.

[karyn]

i do hope and pray that Will will recover soon. my husband suffered from severe asthma growing up, even spent several months in the intensive care unit when still an infant. somehow, during his junior high years, he totally grew out of it. i'm sure it had a whole lot to do with fervent prayers of my in-laws. have hope, irene. God somehow forges our lives and character through each and every obstacle. because of his many visits to the pediatrician, my husband grew hopes of becoming one himself ever since he was five years old. and he is now, even after being told by the doctors at the intensive care unit that he wouldn't make it, and that he wouldn't be "normal" even if he did.
irene, continue to pray and love, but with much hope. i know that HE will be faithful to you and Will. sending you hugs and many prayers...

[Elizabeth]

there is nothing scarier than listening to a small child struggle for breath-- sending you wishes of comfort and that the illnesses pass vite vite vite

[nel]

in my thoughts and prayers...nel