Pressure, Kids, Stomach Bug, and the Olympics

So, my kids are in a 4 week theatre camp.  They missed week 3 and we knew that when we got back from vacay they were going to have to buckle down and catch up on all that they'd missed (namely the blocking of all of Act 2 as well as run throughs with the casts).  Grace and Joe each got big parts and this was the cause of some stress for me while we were gone and worrying about whether they could catch up in just 4 days (opening night is Thursday).  We practiced almost every day while on vacation and it paid off.  Amanda (their director) texted me midday on Monday and said that they all did great and had already learned their blocking.  With just a couple more run throughs to practice they were good to go.  Huge weight off of my mind.  Until about 3 am this morning.  Joe woke me up to tell me that Grace had thrown up in her bed and he had gotten it on his arm and clothes.  He insisted on a shower.  At 3 am.  If it was Hannah who had thrown up I would be concerned but not terribly worried.  She has a sensitive stomach and it's not uncommon for her to throw up.  But Grace.  This could only mean one thing...a stomach bug.  During show week.  After missing a week of camp.  With only a few days to catch up.  I spent the next hour wide awake and worrying about it.  I kept reminding myself that in the grand scheme of life, a stomach bug is really, really not that big of a deal.  Even if worse came to worse and they didn't get to perform in their show this weekend.  Really no. big. deal.  I have 3 friends fighting cancer, one friend who's baby is in the hospital having her 4th brain surgery in 4 weeks.  I reminded myself of these things and that would help me calm down for a little while but I continued to have a sick, worried feeling.  I got very little sleep and woke up early to re-organize my day.  Nothing like the stomach bug to de-rail any and all plans.  A friend picked up Hannah and Joe and delivered some Matzo Ball soup.  Grace watched Netflix and I got busy catching up on church stuff, theatre stuff, and VBS stuff--lots of e-mails flying from my computer.  I also disinfected the house, washed sheets, and did all of the laundry and prayed a lot...prayed that Grace would get better before tomorrow and prayed that Hannah and Joe wouldn't come down with the bug as well but if they had to...could it be sooner rather than later.  I found out that a few of our Chicago fam is also sick so it's definitely a contagious bug.  I dosed all three and myself with colloidal silver and have continued to pray.  I made a dinner that wouldn't be too gross if I have to clean it up in the from of vomit in the middle of the night.   We'll see.  Grace hasn't thrown up since noon and has eaten some soup and a baked potato.  So, the good news is that the virus is short.
I have spent the evening watching the Olympics and they keep showing the parents of these kids.  The parents are a nervous wreck and I really felt for them.  There is so much pressure on their kids and it's so exciting and stressful and pressure to perform...after a day of worrying all because of a show this coming weekend I could relate.  Sort of.  On a VERY different level but still.  I worried so much during the last show as well because Joe was playing a lead and it was a lot to learn and a lot of pressure and I was so nervous for him.  And now, the worry again with this show.  I know that on Thursday night I'll be a bundle of nerves because I know how little practice they've all gotten.  They pull through every single time though, no matter how much I worry.  So, why can't I relax.  Maybe it's that Type A personality of mine...anyway, watching the parents tonight I commiserated with the stress and it made me wonder why I do this.  Maybe my kids could just not be in theatre, not be in shows, not do things that put pressure on them and consequently me.  In some ways that would be really nice.  But it's not going to happen.  They are all too into theatre now.  And, really, for all the stress there is also so much joy and it's so fun to watch my kids perform and have fun doing it.  And, I think those Olympic parents would say the same.  I just watched the girls gymnastics team win gold.  I was crying along with them and their mommas.  It was thrilling.  So much pressure but worth it.
I know myself and I know that I won't relax until Saturday night when the kids have their last performance.  I also know that even if it comes to pass that one of them is sick and can't perform for one of the shows that will be okay too.  In the grand scheme of life...it's not the biggest deal.  There will be more shows, 5 coming up in the next year...aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!