The Power of Pink

Monday, 4/27: Fever rising. Little one sees doctor. Nothing abnormal found.

Tuesday, 4/28 5AM: Fever 104.4. Call doctor. Ready to go to emergency room. Doctor says not so fast, try a cool bath and Motrin.

Still Tuesday, 4/28 4PM: Fever 104.6. No change. Doctor says go to ER. Panicked parents.

Still Tuesday, 4/28 7:30 PM: Fever 103.6. Emergency room doctor's diagnosis: ear infection. Lots of pink medicine will save the day. Parents take a deep breath and thank God.

Wednesday, 4/29 7PM: Everyone's fever breaks. Relief.

What a difference a week makes! Having a sick kid can send a parent through the roof with worry. It's no picnic for the sick child either. It seems that the littlest one has my knack for high fevers. Will buy stockpile of Tylenol. Life is such a miracle, but so fragile. With Mother's Day right around the corner, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful and healthy family, now.

While I was away tending to the sick and fancy-free, there has been much concern over the newly discovered H1N1 virus. More germs than my Lysol can handle! Thank God children are washable.

Unsolicited advice: As soon as the kids come home from a public place or close contact with other children, I wash their hands. It wouldn't hurt to change their clothes either. Some germs can last hours even days on surfaces. And above all, I encourage them to never touch their eyes or nose unless they have just washed their hands. Most germs enter the body through the eyes and nose, not the mouth. This is one of those times when we can encourage them not to share. Have them use their elbow when they sneeze. Good for all germs, not just H1N1.

For now, I'm not panicked. I have lots of pink medicine to handle my current crisis.