A Tragic Comedy: Sick Writing

I sat down with the intent to write humor.

Those who know me might say I've been known to roll out a successful joke or two from time to time.  Heck, I grew up in the 80s didn't I?  If you make it through an era of rock bands that displayed more Aqua Net and lipstick than your local salon, fashion heights consisting of Z. Cavariccis and Members Only jackets, and terms like "radical" and "gnarly" being part of everyday language without a sense of humor, well, you simply aren't human.

A Terminator perhaps?

So what's the article going to be, Brad?  5 Ways to Change a Baby's Diaper With One Hand?  The Successful Habits of a Sleep Deprived Dad?  Is Negotiating a Business Deal More Difficult Than Dinner With a 4-year-old?

Unfortunately, I have other things on my mind.  I'm emotional, what can I say?  

The little one just "re-crouped" himself after passing it off to his older brother for 3-10 days and it just stinks.  This isn't even one of those colds where you find yourself slightly annoyed by the extra lack of sleep or clothes covered in boogers, it's one of those ailments where you wonder if you yourself could even handle having it.  Nope, I'd rather be the one running the steam shower or holding the bundled up "patient" outside in the cold, fresh air than actually sounding like a seal.  

A seal with a cold.

But, I have to tell you, it's the baby's demeanor through it all that amazes me the most.  He's not exactly pleased about the situation, but nor is it stopping him from being himself.  He is the same baby; same "yeah so?" look on his face as he drops food on the kitchen floor, same temper, same way of snuggling into you with his thumb in his mouth, same smile.

I'm simply amazed when he smiles seconds after one of these horrible coughs and I'm not even sure how he does it.

Even at the doctor's office, he was doing his "stomp stomp" thing with his feet as he walked around fascinated by the shiny, vinyl tile flooring.  I'm sure there is a lesson in here somewhere, but I'm not sure exactly what it is.  Is there a certain age we reach when we start feeling sorry for ourselves when faced with minor challenges?  Should I look to my 1-year-old for the proper way to handle these hurdles, in that it's okay to have the blues, but don't let them consume you?

In reality, I'd like to be able to choose just sticking my thumb in my mouth and curling up with Mommy, but I guess that doesn't go over to well when you're in your 30s.  The little one has it right, take advantage of whatever sympathy you can get, but at the same time, don't forget to make the best of the situation.

It's true, him being sick has me down and is affecting my mood and attempts at writing comedy, but I'm inspired by his fight and willingness to enjoy a crappy situation, and even like to think I learned a little something in the process.

Thanks kid.

‘Brad the Dad’ is a parent columnist and can be reached at bradmarmo@gmail.com.  Follow him on Facebook or Twitter at keyword: readbradthedad