This last week, we had a reunion with Hugh's family. We started out at a beachside resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and then spent a few days at a charming hotel in historic Charleston. We ate delicious food, had wonderful company, and saw beautiful things. We swam, toured, played, laughed and cooked. It was the perfect vacation. Except for The Plague.
Unfortunately, in addition to spending time with family, we also got intimately acquainted with a nasty stomach flu. Even more unfortunately, our uninvited guest managed to extend its stay over our entire vacation by infecting all eighteen of us one or two at a time. Asher, Hugh and I all came down with it in fairly quick succession, and it seemed for a few days like Simon might be spared, but it turned out that he was just waiting for the ideal moment to succumb.
We were sitting in an upscale restaurant in Charleston, waiting for our dinner to be served. Simon seemed restless, so Hugh took him outside for a walk. Then I took him outside for a walk. Then we came back and handed him to Grandma. Simon waited until he was seated securely in Grandma's arms at the restaurant table. Then he let everything out. And I mean, everything. I'm still not sure how so much (excuse me) vomit could come out of such a tiny body.
I don't know if I've ever been so mortified. (Okay, so I probably have, but I've blocked all of those memories in an attempt at self-preservation.) Then, just as Grandma was taking Simon home so that they could both get cleaned up, I realized that Asher, always trying to do his part, had scribbled all over his seat with a crayon. The rest of my dinner didn't taste very good.
I already miss everyone and am looking forward to our next reunion in two years (in Canada!) but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who would appreciate it if all of the germs stayed home next time.
4 comments:
Good times (except for The Plague)! I suppose it's too early to start counting down to 2013.
Somehow we need to have these 'get-togethers' more often!! They are so fun. Sorry about the bug, it was a doozy! (and i'm so glad i was NOT at the restaurant, I'm sure I would have dry heaved on the spot). so grosssssssss.
That little family portrait of you off in the corner looks so cute! Your hair cut is different. Post a picture of you! I miss seeing you...
We will never forget that vacation . . .
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