blech

From the day Scott's family left Pennsylvania, someone in this house has been sick. Truly. Each of the kids, Scott went down, and I'm trying desperately to come out on the other side. I think Elyas had the worst run with 104 temperatures over the course of 4 days. And just when he recovered from that bug came another, this one accompanied by double ear infections. Sigh.

Many people ask if it's exhausting to have a big family when we all get sick. To which I usually think, "Duh." Of course it is!! But there are so many blessings that come even then. We had many people to take turns snuggling sweet Elyas, who just wanted to be held for days (and nights) on end. So many people means that there was always someone able to put peanut butter on bread and steam some frozen vegetables for a quick meal. Laundry was done, floors were cleaned, books were read aloud, water was fetched.

The true joy of a big family isn't just the fun times. For me, it's watching the entire group suddenly pull together without much complaint to fill in the gaps as we lose one Rutherford after another to illness. It's hearing an older offer to sit up with Elyas so others can rest, or rush to help comfort someone who has just gotten violently ill.

Rutherfords, I'm proud of you. You've done an amazing job.