So, I was all set to attend this one-of-a-kind event called the Momference™, described as the first conference for millennial moms of color. It was conceptualized by two DMV-based women, who, like me, are mothers to sons. In fact, my post this month on this blog was going to be about that conference. I had questions to ask the organizers, panelists, and moms in attendance. Panels on how to raise strong children, managing your career and motherhood, and wellness all piqued my interest. I had it all planned out – it was PERFECT.
Two days before the event, I picked up my son from daycare with a 102 fever. Not terribly high, so we took the regular course of treatment – Ibuprofen. Well, that night his fever laughed at that medicine and ballooned up to 103.9. We then alternated Tylenol and Ibuprofen and his fever seemed to break. Even though he was showing no other symptoms, I took him to the doctor, where he was diagnosed with a mild case of Hand, Foot and Mouth – YIKES!!! There were no external signs, just some nasty lesions in his throat. He’s almost 2 ½, but this was his first bout with this awful disease. Nevertheless, I was still NOT worried; he was responding to medicine, and the event would be the next day.
Well, he woke up the next day at 4 a.m. crying uncontrollably with another high fever. The ONLY good thing about being awake at this time was that I could watch ALL of the #RoyalWedding coverage. We gave him some meds, his fever went down, and I thought I could hand him over to Dad while I attended the Momference™ for a few hours.
What happened next was my first, actual experience with my son clinging to me for dear life. He had clung to me before, BUT NOT LIKE THIS. No one else but Mommy would do. I couldn’t even shift in the bed to make myself more comfortable because he thought I was leaving. Even asking him whether he wanted to sit with Daddy for awhile elicited a crying fit.
Utter Disbelief
Even though this was happening, I told myself that I would sit with him a couple more hours, give him some more meds, and then just go to the event a bit late, but still catch the important parts. I bet you’re wondering how I could still be thinking this at that point. Well, I’m a Mom and Moms DO ALL THINGS.
After those couple of hours were over and I attempted to leave, again, I came to terms with the fact that I was officially missing my first event because my kid was sick. As a pretty much Type-A, focused person, it pained me. I couldn’t believe it for at least 30 minutes. In my head, I was thinking “how could I miss an event that I made a commitment to?” Meanwhile, attendance at this event was not mandatory and there were no gold stars to be given out! Yes, it sucks to not be able to do something, but that’s life.
Then, I did what Moms do every day – I settled into those snuggles from my cutie pie son, kissed him and prayed I wouldn’t catch Hand, Foot and Mouth, too! (Spoiler Alert: I didn’t!)
All of this to say: I survived missing my first event because my kid was sick. I’ll make sure to let you know the next time it happens. #MOMLIFE
It goes to show how much kids really need their moms, particularly in the early years. Nevertheless, I’m waiting until Dad becomes super cool, and the roles reverse!
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Omg! Chaia I got HFM as an adult (extremely rare in adults) and it was the worst 5 days of my life! I’m so sorry Your son had to go through that!
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