What Would You Do?
When Kristin was turning four and we lived in military housing, she had a little friend who was exactly one year older than her. And by exactly, I mean exactly. They were one year apart to the day and had so much fun together. Her friend's mom and I were friends too. Our husbands were both in the Coast Guard. Her husband was on a ship, which meant he would be gone on patrols for weeks at a time. It just happened to work out that he was going to be home on our daughters birthdays. So we decided to throw a big party for the two of them. They were so excited.
The day before the party Kristin's friend got sick. We're talking spiked a fever and throwing up all over the place. With all of this happening she still planned on having the party. I was a bit concerned, but decided it would be okay. Besides her husband was going to be on duty over the following two weekends and then back out on patrol for another 4-6 weeks. How could I argue with that? Well I couldn't. And her daughter was feeling better. Of course the day after the party Kristin was the one throwing up and spiking a fever. I knew how and where it came from. I was a bad Mommy for not pulling out of the party. She of course bounced back in less than a day, because kids do. They are resilient. But I have to ask...what would you do? I used to say, I would never do that! I would not have a party if my kid was sick. Nobody wants to share that nasty stuff.
Well Saturday was Ryan's birthday. He was so excited. It was all he could talk about in the week leading up to it. At lunch before his party, he started to get quiet. He didn't hardly touch his food. I simply dismissed it as excitement and nerves. He has a lot a little social anxiety. We went through his party happily, with fun games and little or no drama! No drama that is until it was over, and poor Ryan threw up on the patio. D'oh! In my defense I had no idea the poor kid was sick. I felt so bad for him and for anybody he may have shared with! It's just one of those cases where you end up eating crow!
So I have two questions today...what would you do? And...have you ever eaten crow?
Comments
My oldest came down with the flu 3 days before his 5th birthday party. We drugged him up and had the party anyway. We're all just doing the best we can. You won't get any judgment from me.
My kids don't let on they are really sick either. I never know until after the puking has started at 2 a.m.
I think there is nothing you can do if you didn't know he was sick. If he was feeling sick earlier he probably didn't tell you because what kid wants to cancel his birthday party. I say it's just one of those things and you will laugh about it someday.
No worries!