I’ve been home for two days with a nasty runny nose, cough, and low fever. When the kids were smaller, it was rare mom could ever have a day to be sick, but at least they were around to fetch things or make dinner. Now that they’re gone, I’m on my own when my darling husband is working.
Since being sick without help is a new experience, here are a few ideas for coping and overcoming.
- Keep in Touch
My darling husband asked me to text him every few hours to let him know I was doing okay. He was understandably concerned. This was the first time either of us was home sick without an extra kid to be there to help. Unfortunately, I did a poor job of sending those text messages. After going to take a hot shower to help with my breathing, I was confronted with a ringing door bell and pounding on the front door. My darling husband had called the neighbor and asked her to check on me since he had been calling for 15 minutes with no response from me. I found out later he also called our doctor to see if I was there. Communicating really helps reduce any worry for our spouse. I did a much better job the rest of the day letting him know where I was in house. - Let Friends or Neighbors Know You’re Home
I was so grateful my neighbor stopped by. She even brought me some cookies she had made with her grandson! It’s pretty easy to zip off a text message to the neighbor next door. We look out for each other when needed. - Take Care of Yourself
Drink lots of liquid and rest. I know I was doing some work while I was resting, but most of the time I was sleeping or listening to the radio. If you need to go to the doctor, go. Consider if you’re able to drive. If not ask for help! I know if my friend or neighbor asked me to drive them to the doctor I’d be right there. I’m sure they would do the same for me as well.
Each new experience is an adjustment with the kids grown and moved away. What a journey this is.
Have you been through staying home sick since your kids have grown? Share what you did to cope below.
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