{stopped}

in the middle of the hustle

everything stops

tissues pile up

the teapot whistles

family plans canceled

thermometer begs for time off

momma's heart aches to take care of the little ones

but her body aches too much to get out of bed

daddy works hard to fill in

gets rewarded with sweet hugs

hopefully not nasty germs

wakeful nights

3 feverish bodies

one trip to the laundromat with a soiled comforter

living life's hard moments with grace and gentleness

we appreciate what we have

and

wait patiently to come out the other side