The past week has been rough. First, I got sick and stayed in bed coughing, staring, and dripping for five days. Two days in, Phil succumbed. According to our tests, it wasn’t Covid, but it sure wasn’t pleasant either. While I was at the height of misery, Ben happened to be home due to weather, so he helped me out. He brought me juice and water, and he even shoveled the entire driveway. It is a very long driveway.
When Phil has Ben do small tasks, he refers to him as “my associate.” Here’s how it sounded in context this week. “I’m going to work, but my associate will be here if you need anything,” and “I’ve instructed my associate to answer his phone if you call him from upstairs,” or “My associate will bring you some fizzy orange juice.” I don’t know why I find that designation for Ben amusing, but I do. Between the two of them, in their little father son corporation, they do get the job done. At least, they did until Phil got sick too.
Enter our senior associate, Sophia. A good daughter takes her brother out to eat. A great daughter makes a dish to take to the church luncheon and accompanies her brother there. The best daughter cleans your kitchen before heading home! Thanks, Sophia!
Sophia has been grown up for a while now, so I found her help invaluable, but not surprising. The Case of the Shoveled Drive makes me wonder if maybe, just maybe, our Benny-boy is growing up, too.
So, what did our growing boy want to make this week? Taco Pizza. Did that sound good to me? Not even a little. Did we do it anyway? Yes. Being an associate comes with privileges.
In retrospect, when our associate did not ask for seconds, we should have been suspicious. I will spare you the details, but it soon became abundantly clear that Ben had acquired our affliction. As of tonight, we just have our sights set on enough health to enjoy the holidays with extended family.
This week, I’m grateful for a family that makes being sick less miserable, for people who pitch in without being asked. I’m grateful for my associates.
We hope that you and your associates have a wonderful holiday!