WHG: When last we heard from our action hero...

[workinghardguy]

Another mixed day... I guess considering the nature of the day, mixed is a "plus", though I could've done without the ER visit.

I woke up at 4am... couldn't sleep. Went downstairs to gather my thoughts and try to calm myself so I could go back to sleep. I come out from the back room and see my S coming downstairs (it's now 4:30am). As I start to ask him what he's doing my W is in tow behind him. He woke her up because of his cough and was dragging her downstairs to see all the presents Santa brought (I'm assuming he came downstairs once already looking for me, then went back up and awoke my W) We got S back to sleep and as I crawled in W starts having a convo with me... about her headache, our S, the funny things he was saying... it was a little weird. I just rolled over and went to sleep. Thankfully I actually slept.

S woke up a little before 7 and we went downstairs. W got up about an hour later. She was sort of cold, but also had a headache and was in a bunch of pain. She went and picked up SS and SD and once they got home we opened presents. That was hard. I was on the verge of tears most of the time... watching the kids be so happy, knowing what is coming. It broke my heart. My W and I shared a bunch of happy laughs and moments as the kids were funny, happy, and crazy. Then W tosses in to "keep the boxes" as some of the kids' presents came in big boxes (she'll need them for packing).

After presents I started making breakfast. W came in to help. At one point I had to leave her with the cooking and just go upstairs and cry... couldn't take it any more. After a good cry I felt better.

While making breakfast W mentions that we may get stuff done in time for a nap. Then she offers that I can take a nap since I was up sooner and went to bed later. In the past I would've said I don't need one (though I do) and deferred to her. But today I said we'll see...

After breakfast we all cleaned up and did dishes. Then I told W I was laying down. She got grumpy and mad. She wanted a nap... again in the past I would've acquiesced, but today I had to really fight that urge, but I did and went to bed. When I got up my W said she had called her mom, told her we'd be late, and she went and laid down. Hmm... interesting that it all worked out and the world didn't collapse.

W was in a better mood after her nap, but S was pretty sick. At one point he didn't even want to go to grandma's house for presents he felt so sick (and for a five year old to pass on presents he must be sick!). But then he changed his mind so we all went to my MIL's for Christmas though we took two cars in case S got sick again.

MIL's went fine. Had fun with the nieces and nephews. SIL and SIL were fine and FIL and I talked for a while. Food was good, and again W and I shared a bunch of moments of laughter and looks. Again it felt weird. I so wanted to touch her or hold her... it took all my power to not do so as we frequently were in close proximity since the house is pretty small. Unfortunately my S's health kept declining most of the day. By late afternoon his breathing was labored and his lungs sounded terrible. W and I decided he needed to go to the emergency room for evaluation as he was clearly having respiratory distress. We'd just finished opening presents so I loaded my S up and drove the 20 minutes to the closest ER. As I left I said goodbye to everyone... knowing it may be the last holiday I attend there, and I was ok with that. I went to leave and my MIL gives me a big hug (she's a hugger). I hug her back and tell her "thanks for everything, you've always been really great". She starts to cry and I do too, but I need to get my S to the ER, so I pull away and we leave.

S and I get to the ER... he turned out ok. Had to get a respiratory treatment and a prescription, but overall ok. My W used to work at the hospital we went to and it's a small place, so I kept getting asked how my W is, what she's up to, etc... That was fun let me tell you.

W and I text back and forth about how S is doing. By the time we get home, W and SS and SD are home too. W and I talk about S. Then my W asks me what I said to her mom as I left. I tell her and she says that's what she said too... I ask why. Turns out MIL kept crying even after I left and FIL couldn't figure out why. Well, at least someone will miss me

Shortly after getting home W heads off to a Christmas party. I think crush guy is there, but not sure. She has to work at 9am tomorrow so we'll see when she gets home and her state. But it doesn't really matter... she's the one who has to work tomorrow, not me. I'll be setting up my new XBox

So yeah... a mixed Christmas. It would've been a great one if this whole sitch wasn't happening. Kids were super happy and surprised. W and I got along great... hugs and kisses would've made it better. Knowing this is the only thing W has been waiting for in telling the kids makes me sad. Not really looking forward to 2012 and now it is the next big stop.

But it is what it is, and I'll keep on keeping on.