A couple of months ago after one of our Sunday Service, my husband and I went to the mall to have some "couple" time with each other. After the usual window shopping, we decided to have a coffee/tea break before heading back home.
When we got home, I realized that my cellphone was missing. My husband suggested that I may have left it in the car. But I was sure that I never took out my cellphone nor used it in the car. Hence, the logical thing really is that I have left it at the cafe/restaurant where I remembered using it last.
I quickly looked for the number of the cafe/restaurant while my husband tried calling my cellphone number with the hope that the one who has it would take the call. But no one answered.
I found the website of the cafe but the number in their official website just kept on ringing.
My husband was ready to give up and was close to losing hope of ever finding the cellphone. I, on the other hand, was still quite hopeful. Good thing, I found another number for the cafe and this time, someone did answer! The person who answered confirmed that I have left the cellphone and that I only needed to pick it up.
It was a hassle to go back all the way to the mall but I am really glad that there are honest people around!
Which also reminds me of the time I lost my Charriol bracelet at Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia. Can you imagine that? And yes, that too, was returned to me! All the way from the USA back to the Philippines! But that's another story altogether.
So, I leave you with this:
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 KJV
It is very difficult when the Little One gets sick. Now that the rainy season is upon us, the Little One has been down with either the colds or the cough or both. In any case, it can be tough for us, moms, as usually the symptoms get worse during the night (or when the air conditioning unit is turned on).
I was a bit concerned that the Little One has been getting sick with cough and colds one after another that I already brought her to her pediatrician. Thankfully, she only got the common cough and colds and would not need antibiotics for it. Her pediatrician also assured me that children usually get 4 up to 10 incidence of cough and colds in a year. And by our count, we've only had 4 bouts this year. Hurrah for small victories!
To help her recover fast and to ease her symptoms, here are the 5 things that helped us:
A photo posted by Carol Orias-de Ocampo (@smalltownph) on
1. Cold Air Humidifier
Coughing fits get worse during the night especially when the air is cold and dry. A humidifier provides a bit of moisture in the air to facilitate breathing.
We really love Curtis the Cow! Isn't he cute? This humidifier does not need a filter so, just fill it up with distilled water so that the cold mist would be free from small dirt particles (and to prevent water stains from accumulating in the chamber).
Whenever we travel, we also bring along Crane's travel humidifier. This small humidifier requires a filter so, you can just use tap water. We never leave home without it as you'll never know if you'll end up with a stuffy hotel room or not.
2. Honey
A lot of websites would say that any form of honey would be good for itchy throats. And that is essentially true as it does provide relief and even tastes really good. (Note that you shouldn't be giving honey to a child less than two years old.)
But not all honey are created equal!
Manukau Honey from New Zealand are especially made with specific anti-bacterial properties. So, not only does it tastes really well, smells really good, provides relief from itchy throats but also heals you with its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
3. Vapor Rub
This one might be a bit controversial. Old wives tale, they say. But we have done this! My Little One enjoys having her chest, back and soles of her feet rubbed. She even says it tickles! And we eventually have a laughing fit over it. So, yes, we love this little ritual! Plus the mentholated rub eases her stuffy nose!
4. Nasal Spray/ Nebulizer/ Hot Shower or Hot Steam
When the Little One was an infant, it was pretty easy to just use the nasal spray on her. She would give a little twitch surprised by the quick spray of saline solution up her nostril and I could easily hold her down in my arms then. But now that she's grown, she doesn't really like the feeling of having a nasal spray jabbed at her nostrils. So, we have switched tactics and nebulize with 2.5ml. 0.9 NaCl solution (basically just salt dissolved in water). While it takes more time to nebulize than to do the nasal spray, we take that extra time than not doing anything to help de-clog her nose from snots and mucous.
Another way is to have hot running water from the shower, lock the bathroom door and create a steam. Much like having your own sauna! Ha!Ha! Honestly, I have only done this twice when the Little One was still an infant. I just can't bear the thought of all that water going to waste.
I remember as a child that my parents would boil water, place it in a basin, and instruct me to put my face over the water and then cover me with a towel. Come to think of it, it was like having a face spa done! It worked well for me then. And I am sure it would work well still. I just worry about the Little One being scalded so maybe we'll get to try this when the nebulizer isn't available and the Little One is a bit older.
5. Vitamin C and Zinc
Well, I am sure you know this already!
Vitamin C help shorten the duration of colds while Zinc helps the immune system fight the colds by boosting production of enzymes.
When the Little One is going down with something and I know her immune system is flagging, this is my go-to remedy! I make her drink and eat fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins C and Zinc. It may be a struggle for me to feed the Little One so I resort to supplements. There are so many in the market these days but I am loyal to Ceelin Plus because the Little One loves its taste.
So, finally, let me leave you with this prayer:
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
