Sick little one

Having a sick baby is just the worst. Every mother has been there. When they are teenagers and act like jerks, moms always think (if not say) the whole "Who do you think held you all night when you were sick?" When you are the teenager in question, it goes in one ear and out the other, because, well, you've never actually Stayed. Up. All. Night. to take care of someone who is misery personified. You've never listened to someone you grew inside your body cry themsleves hoarse and felt totally helpless and useless and sad. You've never sacrificed your sleep and sanity and ability to function to just be there with someone so they aren't alone, knowing you can't fix it, but choosing to dwell in the restless night along with them.

But to a mother. One phrase "sick baby" and you've got that collective knowing, empathy. Thanks to all the moms out there who have done this before. (Dads, too.) Especially mine.