Every morning my daughter’s camp sends a link to a google form that I have to fill out. The third line is a morning temperature check.
We also had to track her temperature for the two weeks prior to camp, and turn it in on the designated health check page.
When I was trying to get pregnant, I took my basal body temperature EVERY DAY and dutifully tracked it on an ovulation chart. I did this for many, many months.
Handing my daughter the thermometer, and jotting down the temperature, has taken me back. I’ve already accessed the mental challenges of that time – the crippling uncertainty and the paralyzing fear – to talk myself down from the worst anxiety spirals. But this very real, very tangible act brings me back in a totally different way.
I mentioned to my daughter this morning that I know what it’s like to take your temperature every morning, because I did it when I was trying to have a baby. She seemed to appreciate the camaraderie our shared experiences provided, and she didn’t whine as much when I handed her the thermometer.
I’m very thankful I don’t need to take my temperature anymore, because I already have the children I so desperately wanted back then. I am very lucky woman.
old memories…….. They stay with us.
Interesting that temperature checks are being used even after it has been established that the most contagious stage is probably the two days prior to ANY symptom. But doing something to try and catch illnesses early is helpful and it may be huge help this fall as flu season happens. Will be hoping to see the impact of mask use in controlling the flu as well as the virus.
What a lovely image of how your daughter has been growing up so much this summer. Parenting isn’t easy so this sort of reward is supportive.
Thank you for writing …. improved my day.
Whenever I take my temperature now, I remember those days too.