Alive, Healthy, and Happy

This past week has made me grateful for a few essential things. Let me 'splain:

That Park City trip with the delicious food (see previous post) was brought on by a conference Matt had to attend. The girls and I drove up to join him and were looking forward to having a fun, relaxing weekend up there. Little did we know chaos would strike.

On our way back from the restaurant, Vanessa threw up. A lot. Poor little girl. It scared her so bad. We cleaned it up, and headed to our less-than-impressive hotel, not sure how much more to expect. When we got to our room, we discovered we got the sauna suite (aka it was hotter than Hades in there). Vanessa puked a bit more so Matt ran to the store for disaster essentials while I held down the fort and attempted to get the girls ready for bed. That night, Matt stayed by Vanessa's side as she continued to puke frequently. Nicole joined in at 3am and stayed by my side. Let's just say what precious sleep we did get was thanks to our Walmart industrial fan and not thanks to the cranky hotel clerk.

The next morning, things had calmed down somewhat, so we managed to pack up and check out. We were grateful to leave our sweaty, stinky hotel room and just head straight home. The rest of the weekend was fairly uneventful, but the girls were still definitely sick. Electrolyte drinks and crackers were our allies.

Monday, Vanessa was feeling pretty well. Nicole, who had been pretty happy and playful up until then, had diarrhea and just needed to be held. Happy Birthday Nicole! I was glad we did plan any big birthday stuff that day! Later, Matt started feeling sick and was pretty weak through the night and next day.

Tuesday was our worst day yet. Nicole and I had check-ups at the doctor's office, so Matt came with us to help out. Since Nicole was on the mend, I thought now was a good time for her to have her immunizations, thinking it would be no big deal, as was usually the case. I took her straight out to Matt once she was done so I could finish up my appointment. When I came back out, she was red and blotchy all over, and she could hardly breath. Anaphylactic allergic reaction to one of her shots! I brought her back in while Matt stayed with Vanessa. The nurses moved pretty quick to get the doctor and administer Benadryl and a steroid shot. That steroid shot was the worst, as Nicole, who already hated the 5 she had just received, had to endure yet another while scared and hurting. She screamed! That was the moment I just about broke down. The rest of the time I was barely thinking; just simply doing what had to be done.

They sent us to the ER for monitoring, and fortunately we were only there an hour, as the steroid worked its magic and Nicole was able to sleep. We were sent home with good results and a steroid prescription. Nicole was sedate and sleepy, but so much better. Vanessa was very good and surprisingly patient with everything. She seemed to understand Nicole was really ill, and even sang "I Am a Child of God" to her. Matt was our hero, making sure we were fed, and holding and comforting Nicole so she could rest at home.

We continued to just try to take things easy. I joined the sick party Tuesday evening. After that, all that was left was recovery. Matt continued to help me deal with a bored Vanessa, still sick Nicole, and my lovely stomach gurgles/nausea.

Finally the past day or two we have begun to feel normal. Feeling better made me think what a remarkable thing it was to have a healthy family and happy children. Although I always want these things, I don't appreciate them quite as much as times like these. It was so wonderful to just be silly with the girls and just play!

Nicole's reaction Tuesday caused me the most reflection. Although at the time I just did what needed to be done, and everything turned out okay, I realized this was no small thing. It was pretty scary. The day before marked the one-year anniversary of her life, and the next she was fighhting for breath. I don't mean to dramatize this and make it more than what it was, but I couldn't help but think, what if we hadn't been right there? What if she had been asleep at home when her body started reacting and I didn't know she was struggling? What if the shot didn't work? What if things hadn't turned out okay?

I have held my baby closer than ever since then. Both my girls, really. That they are alive and healthy is all I really hope for, all I really need. I am grateful for modern medicine, and for a God who truly listens to desperate prayers. I love my little family with every fiber of my body, and I am so glad no one is missing, no one is ailing. I am overjoyed to be alive, healthy, and happy!