Dear KoD,

I am going to tell you three little words that every man likes to hear. You. Were. Right. Yesterday evening I didn’t feel so well, scratchy throat, blocked sinuses, and I was cold, oh so cold. You brought me Advil and took my temperature. You tucked a blanket around me while I watched TV. You told me I should think about postponing my drive back.

I awoke this morning feeling really cruddy. You took my temp again, but thankfully, it was normal, no fever. I took some cold medicine and told you repeatedly “I will be fine”. You wanted me to stay another day, to rest up and feel better, before driving home. I should have listened.

BH nothing bad happened on the way home, and I did arrive safely, but there was a period of about an hour when I really had to concentrate harder on the road, because I wasn’t seeing too clearly. I had developed a fever, as soon as I realized it I took Advil, but while I was waiting for it to kick in, the road tried to play tricks on me. I was going to pull over to the side, but was worried that I would fall asleep at the side of the road for hours and not be home for the kids after school. The worst of it passed, and I was safe.

I should have listened to you. I was worried about getting the car back on time to the rental company. I could have just called them and paid for an extra day, as you had suggested. I was worried about the kids – but if I really needed them to they could have stayed with their dad an extra day. I just don’t like changing plans mid-stream. I missed the kids – I wanted to see them.  But they would have been fine without me for another day if it had been necessary.

You told me you would have waited on me hand and foot if I had stayed, until I felt better. That sounded so special and awesome, but it would have made it even harder for me to leave the next day. Truth is, sweetie, I never want to leave you. It will be 18 days until we see each other again. 18 long days without seeing your awesome smile or the twinkle in your eye. Having you pamper me for an extra “found” day would have eventually made the pain of separation worse. So I applied my stiff upper lip, and soldiered on. But I wish I hadn’t.

But rest assured, KoD, that your step-sons are taking good care of me. Our eldest prince has put on his chef’s hat and is cooking supper. The others are busy hugging me and asking me if I am ok a bajillion times. So far I have been brought tea, and juice, and milk and cookies and a lego construction project. Squiggy even offered to unpack for me (so long as he didn’t have to do the underthings…lol).

It is so hard to decide the right thing to do. I am a mother first and foremost. But my position as wife is just as important. And if I don’t take good enough care of myself my ability to perform either role will be severely compromised. I was not raised to put myself first. But there are times I need to learn to be a little selfish. I think this was one of them.

Thanks for putting up with me, Dude. For letting me be the ME I need to be, even though it exasperates you sometimes, I’m sure.

Just do me one favour? Next time I am being stubborn, remind me that you are usually right, and that I even documented your rightitude this time?? Thanks.

Your QoH