When I learned that strep throat was making its way through my son’s second-grade class, I let out a familiar mom sigh—the deep, weary exhale of someone who knows all too well what lies ahead. My son, usually a picture of health, seems to be the first to catch it every time strep makes its rounds.
Sure enough, just two days later, he was hit with a fever, sore throat, and headache, and our pediatrician quickly confirmed my fears. I cancelled my work meetings from my phone as we left the clinic, preparing to settle in with my cranky, sick child for the next few days while the antibiotics worked their magic.
Once we got home, my son energetically lunged for the remote, well aware that being sick in our house meant a free pass to unlimited screen time. I plopped down beside him with my laptop, ready to tackle work emails. But then, about half an hour into The Princess Bride, something unexpected occurred.
“Mom. Mommy. Will you hold my hand?” he asked.
I looked up to see my 8-year-old son, sprawled across the couch, extending his hand to me. This was the kid who no longer wanted public displays of affection, who was particular about his fashion choices, and who had recently opted for a cool, spiky haircut. He had outgrown the need for bedtime kisses and glasses of water, and was growing up so fast.
“Of course,” I replied, trying to keep my cool. “Why don’t you come sit a bit closer?” He obliged, curling up next to me and resting his feverish head against my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around him, cherishing the moment and not daring to move—afraid that even the slightest shift might disrupt this precious closeness.
We watched the entire movie together. I ignored my work emails as notifications pinged, my coffee grew cold, and the breakfast dishes remained unwashed in the sink. The only thing that mattered was the simple joy of being next to my son as we cheered for the Man in Black against Inigo Montoya, through the Fire Swamp, and to Miracle Max for a second chance at life.
After the movie, he seemed restless, so we pulled out his Lego bin and began constructing an amazing tower. The afternoon passed quickly as we sifted through colorful bricks to find the perfect pieces for our creation. I only glanced at my phone long enough to text my partner an update about our day.
Once the tower was built, we ordered some comforting chicken soup, and I read aloud to him from Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. It was, without a doubt, one of the most delightful days I’ve spent with my son in ages. I felt a tinge of sadness when my partner returned home with our other two kids, who had been at a friend’s house. I welcomed them joyfully but felt a hint of regret about breaking the spell of the day spent with my son.
It truly felt magical—me setting aside my adult responsibilities, and him not feeling the need to act mature. It reminded me of when he was a toddler, the center of my world, but now he was older, wittier, and more engaging in entirely different ways. I spent the day seeing him through a fresh lens, bonding in ways that felt new and special.
That night at bedtime, he surprised me by kissing me on the cheek without any prompting and said, “Hey, Mommy, thanks for a great day,” before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning, I sent him back to school, the antibiotics having done their job. I sipped my coffee as he tied his favorite sneakers and packed his backpack with math homework. At drop-off, he gave me his usual one-armed hug and rushed off to join his friends, barely glancing back. He was cool again, and I know as he grows, he’ll only become cooler.
Still, as I walked home to my laptop and daily routine, I smiled to myself, knowing that there are still a few quiet moments left where my son will hold my hand. If you’re interested in exploring more about family dynamics and home insemination, take a look at this insightful post about the unexpected joys of parenting.
Summary
In this article, Laura Bennett reflects on a sick day spent with her son, where they bonded over a movie, building Legos, and reading together. The day allowed her to reconnect with him in a way that felt magical, highlighting the beauty of simple moments amidst the chaos of daily life. Despite the inevitable return to routine, she cherishes the fleeting moments of closeness with her growing child.