Oh, P-C, I'm sorry you're feeling so badly. Maybe you didn't lose. Maybe you compromised?

Ben is still sick. His fever was 101.5 when he got up. It was up to 102.something (4, maybe) within 45 minutes. I hadn't given him any fever medication though, because he was also extremely nauseated. I've been swabbing him down with a cool, wet cloth, and eventually convinced him to take a sip of ginger ale, figuring it would resolve the nausea the calm way or the violent way. So far, it seems to be working in the calm way.

I'm sick to the point of tears of my poor little boy being so sick. We're due to contact the dr., today. The thing is, this may well be the stupid fever virus Chris recovered from, the day before Ben contracted the strep. If this is a virus, and the doctor can't do anything for him but tell me to keep doing what I'm doing, I'd rather not cart him out in the frigid morning. But I don't want to not go, if we should go.

I want immediate recovery, please. We've been praying for it, but at this point, my prayers are more tears directed to God, than anything else. This poor little boy has had enough and I'm so frustrated I'm no longer even doing a good job hiding it from him.

Scott has to work at his office today (he gets to work from home, a lot) because they have a contractor coming in all week. I can't let my mother come over and help because my aunt has her colon cancer surgery, tomorrow, and I can't risk my mom catching anything. Yesterday was the anniversary of my father's death and I'm just left without any reserves. Ugh. I'm sorry I'm so whiny. I shouldn't post this, but I'm feeling so sorry for Ben and for myself that I am going to.

As I was reminded yesterday Cindy, this is where you come to ask for help in shouldering whatever you're carrying. I'm so very sorry for both Ben and you, and the rest of your family, because illness taxes everyone. I'm sending him the very best thoughts for quick recovery, and you too. I hope the doctor is able to help him quickly, that the visit is entirely worthwhile.

My prayers and healing thoughts are headed your way Cindy.

{{{Cindy}}} I want this over for all of you--poor Ben and you.

Oh, Cindy! I'm so sorry. I hope Ben starts feeling better soon. Poor guy!

{{{{{Cindy and Ben}}}}}

Can I request some ~ma for a friend? She had a double masectomy a while back, and I just found out that she had to have a spot on her liver removed a couple of days ago. I am very worried about her. She is one of my travel buddies from when I went to England, so she lives in CA, and I feel so helpless all the way over here.

~ma for your friend, sj.

Cindy, more health~ma to Ben and sanity~ma to you. If I had a kid who was that ill I would probably dose him with Olive Leaf Extract (1-2 caps 3 or 4 times a day). It has antiviral properties, and is generally safe. Would likely check with the doctor or pharmacist about it first in case of possible interactions with meds.

P-C, I hate that you are so unhappy. I got nothing helpful other than an offer to adopt you into my crazy family. But hey, at least it's a different kind of crazy.

Aw Cindy. Aw, Ben. Poor both of yous. I'm so sorry. It's just all too much. You have my thoughts and prayers too, if that helps at all.l

PC- perhaps it was a compromise. You can hold her to her words later, and be more yourself once the process gets going. I'm sorry that you feel so defeated, though. It's hard to see the positive when it's the same old shit over and over again.

{{{Cindy & Ben}}}}

{{{sj's friend}}}

p-c - if only the bad behavior of your cousin would make your mother look on your own behavior with relief.

{{{Cindy and Ben}}} Honey, I'm so sorry. I wish I could be there to help out and make tea and cake, and generally give you a little break. Poor Ben. Beng feverish for that long really wipes you out, too.

Much health~ma to sj's friend.

{{{P-C}}} I wish there was something I could say to magically resolve this for you. I know how hard you're trying, and I get how very difficult it is to try and please your family and yourself at the same time. The arguing is exhausting, too, I know. Deep breaths, babe.

I've got nothing else except another possible foot of snow here. The kids haven't had school all week.