4 103 degrees

Nothing in this world stirs deeper emotions than seeing your child suffering. The motherhood dragon that usually slumbers within me awoke red eyed as Allie called out to me in the wee hours of this morning. I don't think I'll ever get used to witnessing the terrible effects of fever: limp, listless, glazed eyes, fire hot to the touch. Instantly I was filled with overwhelming feelings of panic and protection. I tried to calm her tears her, even though I was scared too. How did my Mother comfort me? A cool rag on the forehead, sweet melody in the ear, and lightly stroke stray hair from the face. I must have done it right as Allie drifted back to sleep in her makeshift bedroll to the side of my bed. Too bad the cool water and Tylenol came right back up only minutes later. It was a long night. Brave Allie called out to me each time she needed me and let me know just what was coming. What a trooper! Nothing like a long night of praying over your child to wash away all the built up dust from the daily grind of caring for young children.

Today Allie rode the fever roller coaster. She threw up every dose of Tylenol, but the ibuprofen stayed down and was effective; though sometimes a little too effective. When the fever would came down her energy would go up. I alternated between explaining that she couldn't ride her bike & rocking her limp, burning body to my off-tune lullaby's. After nap and again before bed the fever came back, accompanied with the glazed eyes and tears.

Now comes the eternal debate: if/when to take her to the doctor? The OTC meds are keeping her fever in check and most likely she is battling the same fierce virus that I just defeated. If it is a virus, I'm doing all there is to be done. BUT the mother in me worries that it is bacterial or worse. How do I know? I guess for now we will see what tomorrow brings.