I spent yesterday afternoon covered in sick! My 18mth old daughter had picked up a stomach bug and managed to vomit an impressive 13 times in 3.5 hours (yes I counted!).

But amidst the chaos and changing of clothes and stench, 2 wonderful thoughts struck me…

Firstly, the thought of being covered in anyone else’s sick would normally freak me out but somehow it didn’t matter with my daughter. Sure it wasn’t the most fun way to spend my afternoon but I actively put myself in the vomit firing line. Why? Well partly because I am a lot easier to clean than the carpet or the sofa (!), but more importantly because we are one – she is my flesh and blood. For 9 months I carried her and we were one body, and a bond like that is not broken purely because I have now given birth. She will always be a part of me.

And secondly, what a privilege it is to care for a sick child. What a humbling experience it is when you feel stressed and overwhelmed and worked up by the situation, but you suddenly notice a hot, clammy little body climbing up into your lap just to lie there. All they want is to be close to you – you are their ultimate comforter.

Yes, my little one, I will sit here in the semi-dark, being splattered with wave after wave of regurgitated food, just holding you, for as long as it takes. I know by tomorrow you could be back to your independent, inquisitive, busy ways, but for now you need me and that is a most precious gift.