Since I’ve been sick and have had to take to my bed for the past few days, I’ve come to discover something about myself: that is, though I am ill, even during that time, I am pretty much the same control freak as I ever am.
That said, I kind of have to be. Otherwise, the household would sink into chaos.
For example, I am typing this in bed now. I am under the sheets but have ‘made it’ up as much as possible so as to keep a ‘clean’ a look as possible. I’m crouched up in my little pocket, whereas Adam’s side looks pristinely smooth. I have opened the curtains – again – after Adam shut them before, because I like the semblance of normality. I think he believes in total darkness is essential for recovery. I think a black room is depressing.
This bed oasis is a strong contrast to the rest of the house, which has been under Adam’s and my father’s control for the past few days. (My father is visiting us for two weeks).
“What IS that smell?” Adam asked me last night, as he sniffed around for the culprit.
Sorry buddy, I can’t smell at the moment (and it’s probably a good thing!). It’s usually me who’s on ODOUR ALERT. It’s nice to hand it over to someone else for a while.
But, my rest is fleeting. For example, yesterday, as Adam filled in for me at preschool duty, I went back to bed myself, only to be interrupted by my father’s pleas: “Uh – Karen – um…I think Riley has a dirty nappy.”
Why don’t YOU change it? I could’ve asked, but I already know the answer. My father doesn’t ‘do’ nappy duty. Never has; never will.
So I hoisted myself up and did what was necessary.
I also did several loads of laundry, the vacuuming, marshaled my father to do some jobs for me at the local hardware store…etc.etc…because the ‘daddy-state’ of the house needed some ‘mummy-state’ reparation.
So life, really, has been pretty much the same.
How about you? Does your life pretty much stay the same, even sick, even if you take to your bed?
