Cuteness and Contagion

It finally happened.

After surviving a number of visits with sick grandkids, this time I caught the cold.

How could it not happen? In spite of my resolve to avoid contact, the cuteness factor of my two-year-old granddaughter won out.

Reading books involves snuggling. Being out and about together requires hand-holding. Runny noses demand wiping. Uncovered sneezes happen. Little kisses are slobbery.

Toddlers have no concept of germ containment. They’re like ambulatory, erupting, bacteria-laden Petri dishes, spewing their contagion in every direction. No amount of hand-washing and personal hygiene prevents contamination.

I’m now sitting up in bed at three in the morning, having taken every product that promises relief. My close-to-bursting sinuses and scratchy throat defy their claims.

What have I learned from this? Not much, I’m afraid. That adorable and (literally) infectious smile gets to me every time.

Tomorrow morning, with a comforting cup of tea and a handy box of tissues, she and I will again be nose to nose—make that, runny nose to runny nose—in another “Gramma, read me this one!” book.

Another priceless moment, and worth every Kleenex.