Tattle Tail...

Hand Foot and Mouth disease SUCKS! Sucks BIG TIME!!!  Unless you have a mild case. Then, you don't really care...

3 years ago my kids had HFMD.  It was the worst experience ever and I would not wish it on anyone. ANY ONE!  After a few days of screaming, we finally figured out they could suck on gatorade bottles. That. Was. It.  For a week. HELL.  Then, they are contagious for a week after Hell week. So you still can't go near anyone.  We felt so ostracized. It was really hard on my emotions to feel like we had leprosy and not welcome near any of my kid's friends, even when they were no long contagious.  It sucked.  I hated everyone at that time.
Another wave of anger came when I realized HOW they had gotten it... a few kids who exposed them and KNEW they had had it but never said a word. It ended up spreading through the ward. Ugh. But, I'm pretty sure my kids had the worst case.

So now, 3 years later, our friend's daughter has it. We carpool for preschool together.  She says she's had it for 2 weeks...which means that she exposed everyone at school last week and then we had a week break. So today she is headed back. Her mom says that all that is left are some scabs. However, HFMD is still contagious in the saliva and stool. To try to be nice I said "well, just don't let our kids kiss." Ha.ha.ha.  She said she planned on telling the teachers once she arrived at school because today is her carpool day.  After talking with the other mom, she decided she would drive her own kid.  I was still torn because it's convenient to not have to drive... but is one day of convenience worth a sick kid and the loss of my babysitting income during the contagious period?!?!?  NO.

So, I called the school to ask what their policy was.   They said that since it is still contagious in saliva and stool, then she would probably not be permitted in school. Also, today is a water day...so extra ways to spread the germs!  She asked me to encourage the mom to call the school before heading out and said not to send my kid in the carpool.

oh. Boy.  I can be a jerk sometimes. I can be rude sometimes. But I'm pretty sure you don't have to feel like you're walking on egg shells whenever you have something to tell me.  PRetty sure... she's not that way.

Basically the phone conversation went like this:
Me:hey, so I uh... checked out the policy for the school and since it's contagious in saliva and stuff they may just be sending her home.
her: oh...kay?
Me: I'll just plan on taking Bergen with the other girl just in case
Her: oh...kay?
Me: Maybe you could call because then they can tell you. I'd hate for you to drive all that way only to be sent home. That'd be frustrating for you and her.
Her: oh...kay?
Me: I know it sucks. (told her our story showing her I was totally empathetic to the feeling like a leper that no one wants to be around)
her: yeah?
Me: sorry,I know I pissed you off
Her: no. I have a lot to do today so I don't care any more.
Me: oh, well, that's good. Then you don't have to worry about spending an hour picking up and dropping off kids and you can just worry about your own. Thanks. bye.

whew. she was pissed.

I know I was a tattle tail. I know I'll deal with her attitude or lack of friendship later because I'm that good of friend to her.  I know she will probably cut me off quickly.  But you know what? I learned a lot from our experience with the contagious virus. And I hope she learns a lot to. Like #1 DON'T knowingly expose other kids! and #2. When other people don't want to be with your kids...it's really NOTHING PERSONAL. It's just protecting their family. And you would do the same.