here

We have been sick. And by *WE* I mean Miss O, Wee Man, HB, and Sweets. The doctor believes they had The Wicked And Evil H1N1. And really? It's been unpleasant, but that is all. They are not short people who have a pre-existing health conditions that make The Wicked And Evil H11N1 a threat to their lives, and for that I am thankful.

It is not easy to have four small people sick at the same time. They're mostly nice when they're unwell, except for HB who is about as belligerent as a bull with a bee in his bonnet when he's under the weather.

Even so, between wiping noses and butts and pouring drinks and the occasional thermometer in the keister, it is easy to forget to eat your lunch or make coffee and drink it, or shower. It's much easier to throw a great big pity party just for me.

I was standing outside soaking in the gorgeous autumn air when it occurred to me... I am here. I am present in the lives of my precious short people. I am the arms they fall into when everything is wrong, when they are delirious with fever, when they need something, me, anything. Everything.

I took a few more deep breaths of the warm air and headed back inside, unexpectedly refreshed.

I am the mama.

I am here.