Stories from the Mouth: The sick one

A photo of better times taken two years ago, almost to the day.

Nope, not a lot of sleep last night as I suspected.He couldn't talk with the vocal chords swollen- that starts the cough that leads to the breathing difficulty and the puking. So, he would mouth and just barely whisper his words. You had to lean in until your ear was almost touching his lips to hear him.

"Mama, my voice is not right. I'm very sick and don't feel good."

I told him I knew he was very sick and that the medicine we gave him would make him feel better. That he could whisper for me at night and I would hear him through the monitor and come in. I gave him big hugs and a kiss on his hot little forehead. That settled him, he relaxed and was quickly asleep.

I think I checked on him 15 times the first hour. His breathing was shallow and ragged, his brow soaked, his skin hot to the touch- he is a sick little boy (don't tell him I called him little). Just the day before I was thinking how big he had gotten, how independent he was now. Then, you see him all tucked into bed in the glow of lamp and he looks so tiny and frail.

Another shot from two years ago, Ben and Daddy enjoying the first air show here in Gainesville.

He is doing a little bit better today. I think by tomorrow the steroids will have really had a chance to decrease the inflammation. So today, we just settle in and wait- read some books, tell some stories, and watch some TV.

We are desperately trying to keep Lily from getting croup. Ben has been good about not coming within 2 feet of her and not touching her or her things. Dan and I have been feverishly washing our hands in between dealing with them.