When The Going Gets Tough…The Tough Get Sick!!

"Coo-eee, anyone home?"

"In the bedroom," came the muffled reply.

Merinda walked through the kitchen and into the lounge room. She noticed the bedroom door was firmly closed and wondered for a moment if it was safe to go in.

Just as her hand reached out, the open swung open and a very worn out Jeff stood there, a damp face cloth in his hand.

"Hello, mum," he whispered.

"Darling, are you okay?"

"I’m just tired, mum. Been up for the last 48 hours straight."

Merinda looked around Jeff and noticed the wreck of a bed…doona half on the floor, pillows all askew, and her son…tossing and turning and deathly pale.

"What’s wrong with Steven?" She asked, pushing past Jeff to get to the bed.

"He’s got this bloody lurgy that’s going round," Jeff replied. He’s been chundering for hours. Can’t even keep water down. I tried one of those rehydration packs from his first aid bag, but that came right back up as well."

After checking Stevo’s forehead to see how hot he was, Meri turned her attention to Jeff. "Come with me, luv. Let me look after you for a while."

Jeff tried to refuse, but he was just too tired. Before he knew it he was laying on the sofa with a blanket up to his waist and a steaming cuppa in his hand. Meri rushed about trying to get her son comfortable and got back to Jeff just in time to take the cup from him as he fell asleep at last. She kissed his forehead before picking up the phone and calling the doctor.

When Jeff woke a few hours later, Meri was smiling at him. He tried to get up, but a hand on his shoulder stilled him for a moment.

"He’s alright, Jeff, I made a call while you were asleep and the doc came round with some meds and advice. Look, he’s sleeping soundly now. We managed to change the bedding between us and I’ve given him a sponge bath."

"Bet he loved that," Jeff grinned.

"He didn’t wake up, so don’t you dare let on. He’d be mortified to think his old mum gave him a bath at his age."

Jeff sat up and took Meri into his arms for a big hug.

"You’re not old, mum. You’re a treasure. I don’t think I could have stayed awake for too much longer."

"Doc says the worst is over now, Jeff. You did a good job, but you can afford to relax a bit now. I’ll stay so you can get a decent sleep."

Jeff smiled and gave Meri a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, mum. I’ll use the spare room. Could you wake me when.."

Meri cut in and smiled. "As soon as he’s awake I’ll let you know. Go get some rest now."

She smiled as he headed off for the guestroom. Her two boys…she loved them both so much.