We’ve been having very peaceful and quiet days here at our house. The solitude was forced upon us a couple of weeks ago by an unwanted illness and no transportation. We’ve had a very slow-moving stomach bug going through the children. It is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. They were all exposed to the illness at the same time, but only one of them got it. And then it took three days for the next child to get it. And three days for the next child, and just this morning the fourth child got it (three days after the third). Our oldest daughter still hasn’t had it, and she’s taking all sorts of herbs to hopefully ward it off.
Then, the transmission went out on our van. So it’s been in the shop for over a week, with no promise of it getting repaired very soon. That left us without any transportation, until my parents kindly let us borrow their car. Only we can’t all fit in it at the same time. But that’s okay, since we couldn’t go anywhere anyway with the illness still hanging around!
At first I felt disappointed that we were stuck here at home, day after day, with sickness looming over us, but gradually I made peace with it. I’ve tried to fill our days with some fun projects, such as making ornaments, making this snowman cheese ball for a movie night (we watched a 1935 version of Scrooge), reading Little Women aloud, watching several other favorite Christmas movies, and making our annual simple gingerbread houses (which we made right before the sickness started going around).
Even though I’ve had to adjust my thinking (and my plans), I’m so thankful for these quiet days we’ve had together recently (although I would have rather had it without the illness!). I think we’re making memories despite the change of plans. One day we might all look back and remember fondly the Christmas where we were stuck at home for weeks while we waited for the illness to pass and the van to be fixed.
I am sorry for the illness but am envious of being able to stay home so much. Merry Christmas!!!
ChristyH
Thank you, Christy, I hope you had a Merry Christmas, also! 🙂
Praying your sweet family recovers soon.
I, agree, a blessing in disguise to have 'quiet days' 🙂
Thank you so much for praying, Jennifer!
As odd as this sounds, I say lucky you! There's something simplistically beautiful about solitude and being at home with your loved ones. Merry Christmas! And good for you for making the best out of it!
Thank you, Charlotte! I hope you had a lovely Christmas!
Oh bless you! I'm so glad to know its not just my family!:). Praying for you! Yes, you're making memories. They will remember how even tho everyone got sick, you were still trying to make things nice for them. And they'll see your love and what a great moma you are!
Christina
Thank you, Christina!
I pray everyone feels better soon! It is nice to be home, but healthy at home 🙂
Thank you so much for your prayers, Jaclyn!