My niece and nephew are making their First Communion this weekend. This is a very special occasion, and even moreso because my husband and I are also Godparents to my niece.
The problem is that my 4 girls and I all have bad colds (bad cough, runny noses, snotty noses, etc). I just got an antibiotic for myself, but my kids are all under the age of 5 so they really can't take anything.
If any or all of us are still sick by the weekend, should we go to the party or stay home? The ceremony is during regular mass so there will be an entire church full of people there. The party will have approximately 30 family & friends at my sister's home.
My family seems to be split -- some don't care, others don't want to be around it especially with all the upcoming finals, graduations, parties, etc. And with swine flu, people are getting extra worried. I'm also torn. I hate to miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration because of our colds, but I'd also feel terrible if we got anyone else sick.
Just wondering how everyone else handles these things. Thanks!
Adults go, kids stay home- any mom would appreciate you not bringing sick kids! That way, you can still go!
Stay home. I'd be upset if my kids got sick because someone knowingly came to a party while sick. Argh.
At the very least, I'd have the kids stay home and if you feel up to it go. Kids aren't as careful about their germs, sneezes, etc.
I'm so sorry you'll miss the day, but I hope you all feel better soon.
Stay home! I know it is an important day but maybe someone can record the ceremony for you and the party is just a party, make it up to your niece by taking her for a special day out or something when everyone is feeling better.
I would not take my kids there. It is going to be a long ceremony, at least 1 hour, probably 1 1/2 hours, depending on how many are making their 1st communion. That's a long time for them to sit there, no matter how they feel.
Also at church, people will be packed in the pews sitting very close to each other, that's not good either.
I realize that it's a one time situation, but you have to think of the other people and your kids. If your kids aren't feeling well, it's just not the place for them to be.
I don't understand your comment about your kids being under the age of 5 and not being able to take anything.
M.
I would go to the church and sit in your own pew so as not to sneeze on anyone. The party isn't the important part, just the fun part. The church is what really matters. You never know how everyone will feel by the weekend too, you could all be healthy by then. Keep up with lots of water and chicken soup!
I think your kids should stay home and everyone should skip the party. However, as Godparents, are you and your husband part of the ceremony? (Do you stand up as a Sponsor, or anything like that?) If so, I would contact your sister a couple days before and explain the situation and let her make the call of whether or not you should be there. I was asked to be Godmother to a niece and had a horrible cold on the big day...and was asked to come anyway to do my job at the ceremony. I loaded myself up with cold medicine and cough drops, managed through the Christening and some photos, and then went immediately home and back to bed!
Don't go! You and the kids won't feel in the party mood and the guests will be placed at risk. In light of the ongoing concerns over swine flu, everyone is on heightened alert to those that are sniffling and sneezing. No need to cause potential harm to everyone. And for those family/friends that don't care, they will certainly care when/if they become ill.
I would be very upset if you came with sick kids and I had to sit next to you. Just because your family only has bad colds does not mean it would not be worse for someone else if they caught it. My children always got croup whenever they got a bad cold and since they did not respond to the normal treatment it meant a trip to the emergency room. Maybe one youor your husband could go and then when everyone is feeling better you can have them over for a nice dinner to celebrate.
With everything going on right now, It wouldn't be a good idea to expose your kids to others who get sick, and since your kids are already sick, exposing them to any more virals. Family always understands when kids are sick:)
Perhaps you could go to "represent the family" for a short time while your husband is home with the kids.
I too would be torn, but your kids definitely need the rest and if your family is anything like mine, they won't be there just sitting around.
Hope everyone gets better soon.
B.
