That's what I would tell someone if they asked how our weekend, mini-vacation to Salt Lake City, Utah, went.
Don't worry, there is a silver lining.
We got started late because we knew when we woke up that morning that Kalli was sick. We were hoping to get an early start, but Kalli was lying around on the couch (which is very unusual) and trying to sleep (after just waking up). I took her temperature, and sure enough, she had a low-grade fever. The bad part.
While packing, I threw an empty plastic grocery sack in our food bag. Call it mother's intuition, because a half an hour into our trip, Kalli was vomiting into it. But, that is only after half of her vomit landed on her clothes, the blanket she was using, her car seat, her hair, and on a small spot on the floor of the car. This is the ugly part.
We stopped at a gas station to get her cleaned up and contemplated turning around. We decided to continue because we knew we needed this much deserved break, and we looked forward to the plans we had made for our 'staycation'.
We arrived at our hotel, and a little later that night Kalli threw up the hot chocolate we gave her. Now we were really doubting our decision to vacation. That night was a little difficult because we were all in one room, and none of us really slept well.
The next day we spent a large portion of our time at the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum. This place was really fun. I think Austin and I had just as much fun as Kalli and Grant did discovering, learning, and playing. We lucked out because one of the employees at the hotel used to work at the Discovery Gateway, and she gave us a pass that allowed us free access. We thanked her profusely. It was a really gracious offer.
I would later find out that her sister also works at the hotel, and she was another blessing in disguise for our family.
After a day of hard play on Friday, Kalli had a very difficult night. She began endless crying and whining around 9:00pm that night, complaining of an ear ache and sore throat. I loaded her with some medicine I brought, and it didn't seem to touch her pain. I was feeling helpless. I called my brother (an ex-pharmacy technician) to ask for medicine advice. I found out I could give her a little bit more allergy medicine to help her cough and to help her relax.
We listened to her cry for another hour. I felt like she needed a priesthood blessing, and asked Austin if she would give her one. I really wanted her to have a healing blessing, but Austin didn't have his oil. I felt inspired to ask the front desk clerk (at 11:00 pm at night) if any of the male employees currently on duty were LDS. She knew Kalli was sick because of the hot chocolate incident, and she immediately knew where I was going with my question. She volunteered that she was LDS and that her father could come to the hotel and bring his oil with him to help us in our hour of need. This is the silver lining.
Ten minutes later Austin administered a blessing to Kalli, and she was instantly consoled and able to sleep for five hours. She woke up once during the night to potty, and was back asleep for another five hours.
It was quite an emotional experience, and it really taught me how the gospel can unite people. I was very touched by the goodness and kindness of these complete strangers, and their effort to help me and my family. My desire to do good and to be a better person increased. I'm contemplating how I can thank these two sisters and their father. I feel like my words of thanks (and hugs) weren't enough-even though deep down, I know that they are.
The next day (Saturday), we had a very easy going and relaxed day. We enjoyed a drive up the canyon, a good lunch, some quick shopping, and a lazy afternoon in the hotel room watching cartoons together.
Our vacation was quick and dirty (literally), but it was fun to be together as a family and enjoy one another.
We are heading out for another week of vacation soon, and look forward to seeing friends and loved ones on our trip to southern Utah. I just hope we are all healthy by then.
Photos: All photos were taken at the Discovery Gateway.
3 comments:
That sounds miserable! I'm so glad you were able to find someone to help out. It's nice to know that our Heavenly Father watches out for us, even in the small things, like making sure the right person is on duty at the right time. I hope your next trip is more relaxed.
That does not sound fun, I'm sorry. We had Swine Flu all week, which kind of sounds like what Kalli had. Poor Girl:(
You were so brave to keep going after she threw up in the car! I would've probably joined in and went home!
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