Peanut was sick for a few days. When that happens it’s that struggle of Mommy vs. Chronically Ill Mother. Do I wear a mask around her? Was she contagious before we even knew she was sick? Should I take care of her or have hubby take time off from work?

You see, when you’re on immunosuppressants and you have children these are the issues you have to consider. And if you get sick from your child and end up “really sick” your child may feel guilty. So what do you do? I still don’t know. If I ever figure it out I’ll let you know!

I began volunteering at Peanut’s school last year. I worked in one of the classrooms but when I saw the sniffling, coughing, hacking, snotty, never wash your hands children I re-evaluated quickly. In the end I volunteered in a closed room where very few children entered. Sometimes I’d go to the classroom but it was only if the teacher could tell me there weren’t any sickly little ones around. I also did the PTA thing and other special events in the year when I could. It’s much more fun being with the students than sitting in an office filing. But someone has to do it.

I don’t want a plastic bubble to live in but I’ve got to be realistic. I even hid this volunteer work from my doctors. I knew what they’d say so it was easier to just let it slide.

So far so good. Peanut is better and going back to school tomorrow. I don’t feel like I’m coming down with anything. Just keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.

September 10 – 16 is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. I say we need a whole month! Do you hate to be told that you look good when you feel like crud? Do you get snide remarks or nasty notes when you park in the Handicap parking spots? Has a loved one ever told you that your illness is just in your mind? This week is for you!

Please pass the word around. You can get a PSA for your local radio stations, a banner to place anywhere you can on the web, an email siggie line or join a web ring. This is just a few ideas that are on the Rest Ministries website. Come, spread the news! And then join in on the conferences. You’ll find a listing of those too.

From http://subliminal.lunanina.com

1. Uneven :: Odd
2. Wonder :: Years
3. Spider :: Man
4. Emma :: Mae
5. Swing :: Set
6. Orbit :: Moon
7. Flirt :: Fun
8. Donation :: Gift
9. Veil :: Hide
10. Atmosphere :: Air

Today was the first day of school for both Lady Ali and Peanut. Ali began her last semester of college. She’ll be graduating in December at the tender age of 20. I’m so proud I could burst! Peanut started third grade and was a bit anxious to start out but the second she got to her classroom she was fine.

Ali called me to talk between classes and fill me in on the details. She too was nervous starting out her day – a family trait I suppose – but then once things got rolling she was fine. She said she missed my notes on her napkins and asked me if I wrote some for Peanut. Of course I did! So I got to see that those little things we do as moms mean a lot.

Peanut was so hyper and excited when she came home, telling me all about her day. She loves her new teacher who is very creative. They are going to have a “virtual student” in her class. He’s a homebound student who for the first year will be able to take part in the classroom via the computer and a camera. (Don’t I sound like a computer geek?)

Peanut is very happy about this happening. She can’t wait to see the young boy and learn about him. The teacher put a huge teddy bear in a desk to signify his being a student in her class. Peanut wants to know how he’s sick but I told her she’ll only know that if he wants to tell. That it’s confidential, like a secret. This brings the topic of sickness to her own classroom. She’s seems to be drawn to this unknown boy and wants to make him feel welcome and not be shy. What a little sweetheart!

I unfortunately spent the entire day sleeping after I took Peanut to school. I can’t get over this darn fatigue thing. I figured I’d be better off sleeping while she’s in school so I could be there for her when she’s home. I’m glad I did it that way so we had plenty of time to talk. I even was able to make a simple dinner.

And the school year has just begun.