Women

So sorry that I did not post last week.  I really try not to miss my Mom-Sense Mondays!  We had a huge church fundraiser and I did not feel well, so took a break!  But it did make me think about illness and the difference between men and women/moms and dads.  I don't care what the Woke community says, there is a difference!

Anyway, every woman in the world knows what it is like when your spouse or signifcant other is not feeling well.  Admit it, you have used the term "Man Cold".  It is a real thing and you know it!  When a man gets a cold, it puts him down immediately.  There is some moaning and complaining and definitely an immediate dismissal to bed.  Now, I am not saying that him going to his room is necessarily a bad thing.  Who wants to listen to that whining? 

I can remember my dad visiting one time.  He came to help with the kids so I could take a few days to vacation with my husband.  According to the kids, he sat and gave them orders to take care of each other, but that is another story.  When I got home after four days, my kids actually dropped to their knees and sobbed at my return!  A rare moment when you feel wanted by your kids!  My dad was sitting at the kitchen table with his head in his hands moaning (literally) because he had a cold in his sinuses.  He demanded an early flight home and I was more than happy to comply.

Usually when Doc gets sick, he is a little grouchy, very distant and heads straight to bed.  No complaining.  Doesn't want to eat or talk.  Just wants to sleep!  My kind of guy!  He spares me joint custody of his misery.

Now, I want all of you women to try to think about a time when you have been sick.  I can just about bet that 99% of you did not get to go to bed.  In fact, I am positive you still cleaned the house, did laundry, took care of the kids and pets and if you had to you also went to the office/work.  It generally doesn't matter how bad you feel, someone wants a meal.  That someone is your husband and kids.  Can you remember the last time you went straight to bed and your husband did all of that for you?  
In all fairness, as the kids have gotten older, they have jumped in and fixed me soup, checked on me, etc.  So I guess there is payback for all the times I sucked it up and did what had to be done.

I do have one incident that specifically sticks in my mind though.  We were hosting a surprise party for my in-laws 45th Anniversary.  My husband's siblings and spouses were all in town, but most of the party prep fell on me.  Please keep in mind that I was seven months pregnant, had a one and a half year old and a three and a half year old.  I also had the flu.  I spent an entire day on the couch unable to move or keep food down.  I actually directed "Mommy" (from the couch) in changing "Calvin's" diaper.  Fortunately, most of the party prep was already done.  However, that evening Doc's elderly aunt was flying in for the party.  I asked someone, no - anyone in the family to PLEASE go to the airport.  "No can do.  We are all going out to dinner!"  Doc had gone through a long day at work and wasn't up for a trip to the airport and showed his irritation at the situation.  WHAT!!??!!  It wasn't even MY parents party!  So I dragged my behind into the car along with two small children and drove to the airport.  I put on a brave face as I crawled through the airport wishing the world would end for everyone!  Thank God Doc's aunt required a wheelchair.  I at least had something to hang on to as I headed back to the car.  The party was the next day and as guests arrived I sat in my room crying because I wasn't dressed yet and my dress was a wrinkled mess.  But don't worry, the kids were perfectly dressed!  My in-laws were reveling in the party they put on for their parents.  Finally another aunt of Doc's came up to find me and mopped me off the floor!  

I did get smart and felt better by the end of the party.  As the in-laws were leaving the mess behind for me, I asked them what time they were coming back to clean up.  They were stunned, but I did not clean!  

I guess the message on this is that a mother will go to great lengths for her children/family and almost always puts her own needs to the back of her mind.  It is just what moms do.  Christ's Mother set a beautiful example for all of us to follow.  I do thank God for my role as a woman and mother and for all His blessings!  It helps me to get through tough times and smile at the memories!  May God bless all of you.  Happy week!