In Sickness and Health.

Holding back our littlest girl's hair while she retches over the toilet (nothing comes out), negotiating with our biggest boy who's desperate to be well enough to attend school tomorrow to launch his rocket, the husband who faithfully takes care of the little tasks like boiling rice water or grabbing the vomit bucket, and the many, many prayers from our children... such are the many faces of sickness at home. 

The high point of our little man's day was mustering the courage to speak up at class morning prayer to pray for his recovering big brother. He was joyful to share that with us at dinner. 

The bug is making its rounds, clearly, and our little lady has had a miserable day. We made it to the library to stock up on books, watched some TV, chatted with popo, and slept. Big boy and I played a game of chess. Gratefully, friends were able to pick our children from school for us while she slept this afternoon.

There's been a richness and joy in the suffering that makes this such an important and worthwhile part of family life.