Nothing has gone quite as planned these last few weeks. I was supposed to go to Bangkok a few days before Mom arrived to take the GRE and then we were going to vacation there for a bit before heading back to Cambodia. That was all canceled because of the flooding and Peace Corps travel restrictions. We rearranged flights and hotels and I was able to go to Bangkok for one night to pick Mom up. It was so wonderful to finally see her get off the plane and we stayed up way too late talking considering we had to wake up early the next morning and head straight to Cambodia.
Once in Cambodia we had a few nice days in Battambang, we rode the Bamboo train, I was able to introduce Mom to lots of the people I have met and become friends with throughout town and it was great. Saturday afternoon (a little over a week ago) I didn’t feel too great, it quickly got a lot worse and by Monday I was diagnosed with Dengue fever and we were on our way to Phnom Penh so I could have access to constant medical care. For the rest of the week Mom showed her super hero stripes and helped to take care of me best she could while I was stuck in a hotel bed. It wasn’t until Sunday morning when I really turned a corner and was starting to feel better. Just in time for Mom to see me eat something more than Ensure and head home. I’m doing a lot better now but I’m still in Phnom Penh for at least a few more days relaxing, recovering and continuing to have my blood checked to make sure things are still going in the right direction. It was awful being sick, especially while Mom was here but there is nothing better than having your mom by your side to nurse you back to health.
It’s heartbreaking that we didn’t get to do any of the fun things we had been planning and talking about for the last 15 months, the last thing I wanted Mom to see was just how hard this country can be, and Dengue is certainly some of the worst of what Cambodia has to offer. But I am so thankful that I was able to see my mom, that I have access to any kind of medical care I need and that I am getting better and this will soon just be another story to add to my list of experiences.
Heard about your plight yesterday. We’re sad you were so ill and joyful you are on the mend.
I guess with all things considered, it was good Mom was around. Too bad you couldn’t do the tourist thing but sometimes a reality tour leaves a larger impression.
I know mom was impressed with your acclimation and was made proud by the love and respect you receive. Get well. Love.
Glad you are on the mend! Up to now “Bone-break fever” was just a colorful term from historical novels to me. I’m sorry you had to experience it first hand, but I am so glad your mom was by your side! Hugs,
Claire
I am so glad you are feeling better! I am sure you had plenty of things you planned to do with your mom but I know your mom in thankful she was with you!