“Momma, they hurt. I can’t even bend my legs,” she cried.
“Let me have a peek,” I insisted, pulling the covers back. Nevaeh’s knees had swollen more than they had been. I lightly touched them, trying to investigate what was causing the swelling. “Nevaeh, you’re scalding hot. Can I take your temperature?”
My daughter nodded her head as I got up to grab the thermometer. I placed it under Nevaeh’s tongue and waited for the beep. When I removed it, I was surprised when it read 101.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Do you hurt anywhere else? Is your throat sore or do you have a headache or anything like that?” I probed my daughter, trying to find the cause of the fever.
“No, momma. It’s just my knees, and my back hurts down at the bottom. My whole body feels tight.”
“It’s okay. Everything is going to be just fine. I’ll go get your medicine, would you take that for me?” I asked, brushing my daughter’s hair away from her face.
She nodded and replied, “Yes, but will it make me feel better?”
“I hope so honey. I’ll have it ready for you in a minute.”
I went to the kitchen and poured out a dose of ibuprofen for Nevaeh. As I did it, I wondered what was wrong with her. My baby almost never gets sick and when she does, she never actually complains; it was puzzling. After I had replaced the cap on the bottle, I headed to Nevaeh’s room with her meds and a cup of water.
“Okay sweetheart, you have to take a little and I brought you water,” I said, holding up the small pink cup. “Drink this up and get rested. You should feel better in the morning.”
Like a good girl, she took the dose and drank the water before she dozed off. I stayed with her until she was fast asleep. Once she was sleeping, I headed to the kitchen to place the spoon and cup in the sink. Worried about my baby, I decided I would go to sleep in Nevaeh’s room for the rest of the night. I scooted her over in her bed and climbed in beside her before I curled up with her and nodded off.
In the morning, I woke up to Nevaeh moaning in her sleep. I listened for a moment before waking her; she was in so much pain.
“Nevaeh,” I whispered. “Nevaeh….” I nudged her. “Are you feeling okay?”
She opened her eyes and looked at me, unaware she’d been making noise as she slept. “I hurt mommy.”
“Yeah, I caught that baby. I’m calling in to work today and am going to try to get a hold of your doctor. You rest here for a little while.” I started to get up.
“Momma, I don’t like being in here by myself. Will you carry me to the couch and let me watch cartoons?”
“Sure, come here,” I gently scooped her up. “Do you want me to bring your blanket or pillow?”
“My blanket, please,” Nevaeh said, wrapping her arms around my neck.
I grabbed the blanket and headed for the living room. After I had her all settled in, I went off to start a pot of coffee and make her a bowl of cereal before I called the doctor.
“Here you go Nevaeh,” I handed her the bowl of cereal. “I’ll call Dr. Herber’s office to see if they can get you in any sooner.”
I hated calling in, but I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I really couldn’t afford it, but I also couldn’t let my daughter suffer. True, Lorraine would’ve taken excellent care of her while she was ill, but my baby needed her mommy.
“Kevin, this is Kimberly. I won’t be able to make it in today.” She explained to her manager.
“What? Why not?” he asked.
“Well, it’s Nevaeh. She’s been sick the last few days, and the doctor’s office said they can’t get her in until tomorrow. I’m going to find out if they can schedule her for this afternoon. She’s gotten progressively worse and I’m worried about her.”
“You’re aware that’s a point if you don’t come in, right?” He reminded me of the attendance guidelines.
“I know, but I never call in and I have no points right now. I’ll keep you informed and tell you what the doctor says.” I said, annoyed that my boss would try to make me feel threatened by the company policy.
After I had hung up with my manager, I went into the living room to check on Nevaeh. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay momma. You won’t get in trouble for not going into work are you?” my daughter asked, overhearing the phone conversation.
“No baby, it’s fine. Don’t you worry about that. I will call Dr. Herber now. I’ll be back.”