The last 24 hours....

So...

The grandparents left for India yesterday afternoon!

Miss R went to the airport to drop them and cried buckets of tears coz she wanted to go to India with them and had to be forced to come back home. Dealt with her somber mood until bedtime.

Mr R, the softie, has had high fever - 104F, since they left. Hubby and I kept a close watch on him all night long - we did bath, sponges, medicines. He got checked by his pediatrician and it looks like a viral fever so far. He is still running 102+F....hoping it comes down by tomorrow.

A close friend's dad passed away this morning. She was in a mess before taking her flight to India this evening. I sacrificed 45 mins during my lunch hour to meet her and provide much needed hugs and strength. I packed her bags, gave her lunch, took codes to access her house, and ensured she had her passport/cash/phone in her purse before she took off with a friend for the airport.

The grandparents reached Dubai and did FaceTime with us (they had a lovely flight). The scene unfolded like this: grandma was crying, grandpa was crying, Mr R was inconsolable, forgetting to breathe in between his sobs and saying "nana nana nana", Miss R was about to cry but put up a brave face to tell her "nani" to stop crying.....I could only handle it for 4-5 mins before hanging up. Too much heartache on both ends!!!!

Hubby's manager is being a pain in the A$$. She is an old woman who does not have kids. She does not understand what our daily struggles are. He is very stressed as he had to take the day off today. We had no choice though - the son was running 103+F in the morning at 7am when he typically leaves for work. We had not slept much through the night, and we had to get the daughter ready for her school. I was more worried of the chills and heavy breathing that the little one had all night, and needed him with me in case we needed x-rays or tests. He tells me they are jealous of the 6-week bonding leave he recently took. Well, its a State of CA benefit for which the State pays us (pennies, but still something) and I don't understand why it is causing so much grief. And, it was planned well in advance.

With two children so young, parents need flexibility. I don't know how we can manage if our managers and employers don't understand that. I have 3+ weeks of vacation left for this year, and I have saved it precisely for such times. I am taking time off tomorrow to be with the sick kiddo. Hubby also has time off banked in reserve for such times, but its still an issue if he takes it. And he is not allowed to work from home either. So can you suggest what we can do?

The clothes from the dryer are occupying the guest bedroom. The sink is filled with dishes that need cleaning. There is fresh food for all of us, but no appetite. The sun is behind the clouds, making it a boring dull day.

The grandparents have been gone for only 24 hours, but our lives have turned upside down in that short time! {sigh}

PS: I have a lot of drafted posts - must do a week-long marathon to get them all published :)!