It was a quiet morning—too quiet. You know the type. I’m sitting at the table, coffee in hand, trying to savor one peaceful moment before the day kicks into gear, when it happens.
The cough.
From across the table, Bean (our 3-year-old Aubrey) gives a little hack. And in any normal household, that would just be a minor annoyance. But in our house? It’s the sound of a horror movie plot unfolding. You see, Ross is just beginning his treatment for uveal melanoma, and any sniffle or cough feels like the villain creeping ever closer. We’ve already had one anesthesia session delayed because of congestion from a cold (more on that here), so the stakes? They’re high.
Cue the dramatic music.
Act 1: The Germs Attack
As soon as I hear that cough, my mind starts racing. If Bean’s got a cold, we all know what comes next. First, her sister will catch it, then her brothers, followed by me, and then… Ross. And Ross can’t afford to be sick right now—not with treatment just on the horizon…again. The idea of another delay, another appointment rescheduled, has me ready to spring into action.
Act 2: Soap Is Our Superpower
You know in those scary movies when the characters have to arm themselves? Well, around here, our weapon of choice is soap. We gather the kids like a germ-fighting task force and lead them in a handwashing ritual that would make any cleanliness guru proud. “Hands under the water! Get between those fingers! And no, that’s not enough soap, try again!”
Bean thinks it’s fun, which we’ll count as a win, but we’re all business. The germs have started their attack, and we’re not letting them win this round.
Act 3: The Masks Are Back
Next, we bring out the masks. Oh yes, if there’s even a hint of sickness in the house, it’s time to mask up. Ross doesn’t mind; he’s used to it by now. But Bean? She loves picking the fun designs, so we’re rolling with it. She’s coughing, but hey, at least she’s doing it behind a cute, colorful mask, right?
Here’s our Christmas picture from 2020. No Bean yet. She was being made!
Act 4: The Quarantine Zone
With the cough confirmed, Bean’s got her new spot—the couch. We’ve turned it into a makeshift “quarantine zone,” complete with her favorite blanket, stuffed animal, and endless cartoons. Is it perfect containment? Not really. She still wanders around like a tiny, cough-carrying monster, but it keeps the germs somewhat confined.
Act 5: Medicine Cabinet Madness
Our medicine cabinet is stocked like we’re prepping for the end times. Vitamins, cough syrup, elderberry, probiotics—you name it, we’ve got it. Every day is a new battle, and we’ve got our immune systems on high alert. We’re trying to stay one step ahead, boosting everyone’s defenses before the germs can take us down.
Act 6: The Plot Twist—Humor Saves the Day
But here’s the thing about our horror story: we’ve learned to laugh through it. Ross and I joke that our house has become a mix of a hospital ward and a daycare. And Bean? Even when she’s coughing, she’s still giving us those big, mischievous smiles that make everything seem less scary. Her laughter is the soundtrack that helps us keep our cool, even when the germs feel like they’re closing in. As she won’t hesitate to tell you, “Sharing is caring!”
The Final Showdown
Will we make it through this without Ross catching the dreaded cold? Honestly, who knows. But we’ve got our cleaning supplies, our masks, and our humor on standby. And if the germs try to come for us again, we’ll be ready to fight them off—one hand wash at a time.
Have you had to battle germs while dealing with something bigger? Let us know your survival tips in the comments!
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