A Wet, Sneezy Week

Posted by Christine Alcott Jun 23, 2007

This week has been a corker - illness, absent husband, and a flood!

My oldest son has caught some kind of cold virus, that has kept him down all week. A fever and cough has left him so tired that my normally energetic 9-year-old has been making a dent on the couch. Trying to help him occupy himself during this time has been a challenge made easier by one beautiful thing - audiobooks! An avid reader, he has been enjoying listening to "Charlie Bones" and "Artemis Fowl" while working a puzzle book.

My husband had to go on a business trip just as my oldest son became ill. In addition, a great deal of rain has kept my younger two sons from much outside play. We have been using our "Boredom Box" this week. My 7-year-old was delighted when he drew a strip that read "Take a bath". So for 30 minutes in the middle of the morning, he splashed around in the tub!

All that rain led to some flooding. Our area was okay, but one hour north of our home, my aunt lost almost everything. Her apartment flooded so quickly that she had to call 911 and be rescued out the kitchen window. Now, mud and debris have to be cleared out, and what is salvagable is stored for at least a couple of months until residences are repaired. This event has, understandably, shaken the whole family.

One of the best things about it, for me, is to see the compassion and concern my own children have displayed for my aunt. We haven't seen her yet, but the children ask about her, pray for her, and talk about her. Compassion is such a good thing to grow in our children. When we see it, we should be thankful, indeed. Riches can be won and lost, but a compassionate heart is a treasure.

Have a great week!