Friday 18 December 2015

Health is truly wealth

And so we are back from a rejuvenating getaway. Any getaway that breaks us free from routines and schedules is all well worthed. Looking to update our travel soon.

Just the week before we set foot for our travel, Js fell very ill. Jare was down with a week long of fever, followed by Jazz. The kids took turns to be in and out of school, while I felt almost exhausted running the roles of a nurse and a Mum.

In midst of our battle, when sickie days show no mercy to what's in plan or scheduled, we got really caught and sometimes, I wonder if we really have to battle some events with a sick body. It's no brainier to know we should stay away from classes or events when sick, but sometimes it's more than just the usual. Js had enrichment classes to attend and Jazz had even much to cover in the month of November. She had a violin and graduation concert. Not forgetting the numerous rehearsals, as well as her usual violin, piano and swim classes in between. Everything swarmed up in the third week of November, I felt hectic and tired just looking at her. How did my 6 year old get so bogged down by schedule suddenly?!! I had to assure her that peaceful days are ahead.


Farewell preschool

After her violin concert

That week she was down, she had 3 important rehearsals to attend, 2 for her graduation and 1 for violin. We made the decision to skip 2 of the 3 rehearsals, which wasn't an easy decision for they were full dressed and photo taking rehearsals. And also, we needed to minimize contact with her friends, in case she was contagious. For that one rehearsal which she brought up her spirits to attend, I got a call from her teacher that her fever spiked. I packed medication and rushed down like a F1 driver to fetch her home for rest.

On days which her fever didn't spike, I asked if she could make it for her enrichment classes. She positively and assuredly told me she could. I always admire her fervent attitude when it comes to learning. At the moment I thought, "Oh, great, we don't have to miss classes." I was overly concern about missing classes, forfeiting fees or having to arrange for replacement classes as next month is a month of vacation and relaxation. Really, I had wanted a schedule free month in December. We needed more play than anything else before a new school term begins.

One of the days, I called my man in the office to update on Jazz's fever chart. He graciously and calmly told me, "forget about the classes. Let her rest." In midst of the sick chaos, I got shaken and got my mind cleared up. What a terrible Mum I've been. How could I have encouraged my daughter this hard on classes while battling a roller-coaster fever?!! Didn't we always talk about resting well, eating well and that health is wealth. Oh man! A sudden guilt poured over me, even though she was one little active girl, who was playing and eating relatively well. I started calling schools and teachers if I could do replacement classes, or miss a lesson without forfeiting fees. Some were understanding and one had to forfeit our fees. Anyway, I realised health is more important than anything else. Moreover, Jazz is usually a tough being who rarely falls ill. It's been 4 years since she last visited a Pediatrician. I knew this wasn't easy for her too.

I got reminded, that I should teach them to rest and rest, especially when they are down. I got reminded, it really didn't matter about the classes they miss, but the priority of knowing that health comes first. In our often hectic life, grown ups tend to work and overwork even when they are extremely sick. Sometimes I just have to blame this on the herd mentality or our work habit. While we value achievements, we should not compromise on rest. It's some bad living example to our kids, isn't it?!! I think it's one habit and knowledge we can cultivate since young, that we should learn to nurse a sick body in order to face the battles and challenges ahead. 

But wait, if your child is down on a very important event of this lifetime, what would you do? Decisions and decisions. I was just glad she fully recovered and did so well for her graduation concert, which she practiced and rehearsed so diligently for.

On another revelation, I've realised that the beauty of being a stay home Mum isn't really about being there for your kids, especially when they are sick. But that, it really is one great help when the man can focus solely on work, without having to worry about home or sacrifice any leaves to send them to the doctor or be home with them. There's this firm assurance that his wife, the kids' Mum and probably the best caregiver for the kids is home with the unwell kids, and that they are in good hands. It's true when we say, there's a woman behind every successful man. Yay, I proclaim that!

It's not often picture perfect

Parenting is often so picture imperfect. When we thought we know what to do, we are actually doing it wrong. Love how new revelation shapes and reminds us of our parenting values.
 
So people, rest well and rejuvenate well for the coming battles ahead. Let's not over-exhaust and always remember to rank health before wealth. 

19 comments :

  1. Good to hear everyone is well now. Agree, health above all else!

    Michelle at The Chill Mom

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  2. happy to hear all went well and your girl got well. Enjoy your holiday season

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  3. happy to hear all went well and your girl got well. Enjoy your holiday season

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  4. it's so wonderful to have a partner that brings clarity when we're so bogged down by the chaos :) I feel that way about hubby too and often ask for his opinion on things to get a different perspective.. I like this kind of relationship with mutual respect and discussion.

    Glad everything is much better now. Enjoy the rest of the hols!

    Ai @ Sakura Haruka

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    1. So true! Nice to always compliment each other's lack, which can be so essential to the important functions we miss out.

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  5. Health is indeed the est we can ask for our family and ourselves. We have been through a phase which was terrible with hospital visit and glad god has blessed us with good health.

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    1. Oh dear, I know what you mean. Been through that too. Cheers to healthy days ahead!

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  6. Well done, Jazz!!!! I'm so glad that all the hard work paid off and that the 'sick leave' didn't set everyone back. And I think that your hubby is so supportive, being the Voice Of Reason when you're all stressed out and anxious. Ace!

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    1. How important is the man of our life! Mine's amazingly steady when I'm in chaos.

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  7. It's so hard for you too with a pregnant body. You must be feeling so very tired as well. I'm glad Jazz is such a sensible jie jie and a daughter to you. How very blessed Karen!

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    1. Thanks May! It really did help a little as the kids grow older.

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  8. Proud of Jazz for being such a trooper! My kids are also taking turns to be down with viral fever, cough and flu...the amount of money we spent on medical bills could have been channeled towards a nice regional holiday or staycation for the family! So I can't agree more than health is wealth really. Pray that our kids' immunity will strengthen as they grow. Happy holidays!

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    1. I know how that feels, it's terrible to be battling medical bills and sick kids. Cheers to stronger immunity!

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  9. Yes, I have to agree that health is wealth! It is very tough when the kids at home fall sick.. so glad that they are such troopers!

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    1. Thanks Jacqualine! Always gotta remember to nurse our health before facing the challenges ahead.

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  10. You're doing great bringing your kids well and mature. And you are right to say health is the most important. I too have similar situations when I knew something isn't right with the kids but has to force myself to still send them to school because I had to get to work. Thanks goodness everything went well that day for the kids. Thanks for this important reminder Karen.

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    1. I know right, sometimes we are at wits end and things seem more reasonable to us (even though they are not). Haha.

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