Sick Day

Harrison takes his sick days seriously.  He has big plans, big ideas, none of which include actually acting (or even being) sick.  Last night at dinner he was 102.9, flushed and glazed over and completely listless, so we decided to keep him home today.  Bath and early to bed and then he slept in an extra two hours this morning.  He woke with a bounce in his step today, as though he had been handed a get-out-of-jail-free card.  When asked about his health he proclaimed that he felt great and wondered what fun we could make of the day.  He thought perhaps we’d go to camp, or see a movie, or go for a run on the track.  Just a few suggestions, Mom. 
Instead of such fun things we kept it calm: drop Emma at school, ride in the cart through the grocery store, read a few books, pick Emma up from school, eat a quiet lunch, and play a few games of Pac Man.  Throughout the day’s activities he kept on a smile and kept up a constant stream of chatter, giving me anecdotes about his school days, letting me know his new favorite super heroes and ideas for Halloween costumes, and reading me the advertisements from each and every grocery display.  it was the first time we had each other all to ourselves in such a long, long time.  I’ve been missing you, he said.
When Emma was home the two went upstairs to play Pac Man, and the house filled with their laughter and squeals of delight.  They played for an hour, giving each other tips and hints for the best mode of play, and then compared notes from their respective new classes and schools.  From my perch beneath the stairs I got to hear all about the key players in their new school lives: who causes trouble and means it, who is accidentally always in the wrong place at the wrong time, who can kick the ball the furthest, and who the emerging best friends might be.  It was the best playtime they have shared in months.  Harrison, you are the very best brother, she said.  I know, he said right back.
The truth is, we all needed his day off.  Real school, Kindergarten, is no joke.  It is busy and stressful (good and bad stress) and there is so much for him to take in that by the time we get him back each afternoon he has nothing of himself left to give or share.  He is often grumpy and we are more than likely overwhelming, eager to have him back, so that an atmosphere of off-ness consumes the rest of our afternoons.  I have missed him so much, the sunshiny, well-rested, happy to go along with whatever I have planned version of himself.  So much for being sick, but I am so grateful for this day, for this chance to reconnect.