Right now I have an upset stomach. Baba just took DoubleShot to the store to get some Sprite, in hopes that a little bubbly will help my stomach calm down. The one thing I hate most in the world is vomiting. In the words of my daughter, “yucky!!”
I think she’s a bit sick as well, though I cannot get her to admit it. I posted on an older child adoption group, asking about children and sickness and whether or not they will ever voluntarily say “I don’t feel good.” Several people responded and said that children in an institution are generally taught not to complain about illness unless it is serious. There are just not enough staff to be able to take care of a child with a minor illness.
I find that incredibly sad. I know my daughter is not feeling 100%. She’s lethargic, just wants to watch tv or read a book, lost most of her appetite, and is running warm. Yet if I ask her if she’s feeling badly, she shakes her head. I told her that if she’s sick, I will take care of her. Still she wouldn’t admit to feeling badly.
It breaks my heart to think of what life is like for children with no family. To not even be able to say, “I don’t feel good.” How do you train that instinct out of a child in the first place? And how do you convince them it’s ok to be vulnerable with the people who love you?
Do hope you will both soon be better. I am a member of the “never married no children” group but have loved reading your blog journey. There is certainly much for you and Baba to think about and adjustments all round. All the very best.
Feel better!
….and other aspects I haven’t had to think about. My babies/toddlers don’t have any problems at all announcing when they feel sick! 😀