"I'm not in Summit City right now," I blurted out. "Is the fever really that bad?"

"It's serious—shot up to 102℉ in no time. Is there anyone else who can watch the child for now?" she asked again.

"I'll figure something out and call you right back." I hung up.

Because of my kid, I didn't even have time to wallow in the sorrow of my own life story. Just like that, I was thrown right back into the chaos of everyday life.

I took a second ...