More nerve, actually - as the pain travels down my legs and burns. Ow.
It is always hard, when 'Mom' is sick or laid up for any reason.
However in THIS house, where 'Mom does All' and 'All does Mom' - it is especially chaotic.
Where I am expected to take care of everything every other day - my 'sick days' are met with much resistance and attitude, for others to pick up the slack.
The dishes pile up in the sink, the fridge begins to look more 'spacious' and things like toilet paper and paper towels have a mysterious way of suddenly running low or completely out.
Meals consist mostly of microwavable frozen foods, snacks and cold cereal.
Sadly, this is always the time when I crave a home cooked meal.
Which can obviously NOT happen, if the chef is out of commission.
Taking the otc meds we happen to have - and not the otc meds that work (and we happen to be out of) just prolongs my recovery.
But today the 'good stuff' was brought in and I am feeling a bit more flexible, a bit less painful and the most aware have felt in a few days.
I am proud to say that while his cooking experience and skills are limited, Brendan made Cinnamon Chip Muffins this morning for everyone and is making his own dinner on the stovetop, tonight.
More than I can say for my husband - who always has been one to fill up on snacks, instead of actually figuring out a meal to prepare.
Makes it really hard, when I am immobile - since he only gets those snacks for himself.
I still need to remind someone, ANYONE - to feed the 7 yr old and end up having trail mix for dinner, myself. Or leftovers up to 3 days old, if I am lucky enough to find some.
I have to say here, that these times I really notice how my heart aches for my mom and gramma - who when I was growing up - fed everything from cold to fever - with favorite comfort foods.
And illness was as much of a motivator for them to cook up a storm - as a party.
Maybe some of you know what I am talking about.
To those I ask - what was YOUR favorite comfort food 'sick meal'?
To this day - as to this exact moment, actually - I still crave mine.
Hamburger patty's and mashed potatoes helped me through everything from pulled teeth - to walking pneumonia.
And whether I could taste it or not - always made me 'feel better' - just seeing it on the lap tray, that they would bring me in bed.
Was it the love that they prepared it with? Or the way my mom could make even simple and bland food, taste wonderful?
Maybe it was just the fact that on those nights, I knew she was there - in the kitchen and close by should I need her.
Maybe it was that on those nights, there would be no PTA meetings, tupperware party's or visiting friends.
Maybe it was that on those nights - my otherwise not very affectionate mother - was hugging me and giving me attention in her most giving and caring way: in the kitchen.
The sounds of the kitchen, the scents warmly filling the air throughout the house...
And for once - I was the top priority on her list and no one else could override that.
Maybe because those were the nights - I felt MOST loved.
I really want mashed potatoes and a hamburger patty, right now.
But only if it is served by my mom...
Rest in Peace, Mom.
Frances Olga Salgado
December 7th, 1927 - December 12th, 1995
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