Appreciating Me.

The title to this post sounds a bit vain... We've often been told never to blow our own trumpets and everything that has self appreciation in it is usually frowned at.
However, today I will take a moment and appreciate myself. Below is why:

The last two days have seen me play nurse, mother, mentor, chef, farmer, friend, disciplinarian, Logistics officer, technician and Person. I came home Saturday evening to a house full of worried kids-their care taker was crying her heart out. For a moment, I forgot about the bag of #Hershey's Kisses that needed to be placed in the fridge and everything else and jumped into her bed. Rubbed her back, held her close and talked until the sobs stopped and we could get the story out.
My children were shocked. They had never in their wildest imaginations thought that 1. Aunt Martha cries or 2. Mummy would be holding their Aunt Martha like she does them. But we all took it in stride and have not yet brought it back for discussion.
Martha was down with a bug or something- (a trip to the doctor told us she had developed an Ulcer and had a moderate case of #Angina<<<whatever that is).. That meant everything was on me now and Office for the next few days was off my to do list.

Taking care of others has never been a problem of mine. Matter of fact it comes so easy I could do it everyday of my life and never demand pay. However, up to until the last 60 hours, I have been used to having my charges listen to me. When I issue a command, it is usually carried out without much hesitation (save for when it involves eating green vegetables).
But Martha chose this session of my life to be the time my patience is tried. She made up her mind to start crying every so often and did not want to take her medicines. The Doctors (two doctors and a nurse) kindly requested me to take her to Mulago because they were treating her based on the results from the run tests but she couldn't stop crying and didn't want to talk further. I got very close to bundling her up on a bus and sending her to her parents but the parent in me begged for me to grin and bear it. She is somebody's baby. Could as well have been my baby.

My other adult housemate marveled at the efficiency with which things around the house moved. Meals were served on time, Mushrooms watered religiously and I was the last person to go to bed yet I was the first to wake up. The little ones had school waiting for them. Bed time stories too got read out!

I didn't take a moment to enjoy my chocolate but I will take time to pat myself on the back for two days well spent.
This morning as I saw my three little ones off to wherever, Two to school and the thirds to #BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)... I kind of missed the hustle and bustle of the last two days. It was exhausting but fulfilling. We learned how to write the word "Sun, moon and pot" without referring to the alphabet charts.

Christa learned how to prepare kaunga. (Awesomeness just).

Kato, spent  time in the sun with the rest of the house members...

Micah assumed the role of defender for his sisters. Dude insisted on escorting them to do their assigned chores!

And I, Mummy remained favorite member of that house.

water.

Martha? she will get well.

So, here goes my appreciation note:

Dear Me,

You have done great these past 70 hours. Thank you.

Me.

PS: Valentine's day was awesome. I spent time with a group of nice people and Chimpanzees. Not sure who/what was greater company. The chimps or humans. But wait, Humans are apparently 98.7% chimps... so yeah.. we were fine and happy.