Well, it happened! My youngest son, my 10 year old baby, tested positive for COVID 19. I have spent the past year in a half doing all I could to keep my boys healthy. I was so happy when my 13 and 16 year old boys were able to get the vaccine, but so worried because my youngest still couldn’t get it.
He has always been diligent about wearing a mask, and to have a 10 year old wear a mask without complaining is impressive. I’ve given all my boys elderberry, zinc, and large amounts of vitamin C. They stay well hydrated and sanitize and wash their hands without being told. But, I had to accept that I can’t control what he gets exposed to at school.
One Wednesday, October 10th, my little 10 year old boy woke up at 5:00 am, while I was getting ready for the day and said, “I think I have a fever.” He had a fever of 104! I put him back in bed, gave him Tylenol and put a cold wash cloth on his head. I had to get my other two boys ready for school, get a sub to cover my classes, create lesson plans, and find a place to get him tested.
He tested positive, twice! My other two boys and I tested negative. I wanted to be sure! My first reaction was silent tears. My mind was racing. I didn’t know how his body would handle this virus. Then my heart broke even more, he was sitting on the couch with huge tears and soft sniffles. He said he was scared. He’s heard all about this virus, he knows people have been dying, he spent months in lockdown while we tried to make a difference. He knows it’s serious.
At that moment I just held him. Yes, this virus is highly contagious, but that’s my scared baby and I held him and comforted him and made sure he knew he would be safe.
That fever was intense. It just wouldn’t break. I spent two days worried because his fever was set at 104, but he was shivering. At one point I had him take a cold shower and that helped a little. As fast as his fever arrived, it was gone! He spent the rest of his COVID 19 quarantine time fever free, but sleepy. He took over my master bedroom, because I didn’t want him using the same restroom as his brothers. He enjoyed sleeping in my big bed and watching g Disney +, but he was lonely. He would call me to talk and sometimes ask for a hug. And, yes I hugged that baby. He stayed in my quarantine bedroom until Friday, October 15th. He went back to school and felt great.
We were blessed that his COVID 19 experience was not tragic. I am very blessed to have been vaccinated and that my other two boys are also vaccinated. Even though we tried to stay distanced from him, I know we were exposed and I am grateful for the science that prevented the rest of my family from getting sick. I am grateful that I am healthy and able to take care of my boys.
One night my oldest son stood in the doorway talking to his baby brother. But, that just wasn’t enough for him. He asked me if Tucker had a fever, I said no, so Tyler walked into the room and hugged him. When I looked into the room, my heart melted. Tucker needed his brother and Tyler was not scared, because he felt safe. Tyler stayed COVID 19 negative, and Tucker felt loved.
It was scary, stressful, and enlightening. I am grateful that my boy is healthy and he did not have a terrible experience. He misses the doughnuts and pizza his sweet cousin had delivered to him!
Stay safe and healthy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
