The Roto Virus Goes Skiing with Us

The time is March 2004. We are in the middle of the adoption process. Mom is in the Alzheimer's unit in Midland and has been there a few weeks. Dad is living in his little apartment down the street from her. We are in the middle of our home remodel. Rebekah had just turned 4, Elizabeth was 5 1/2, Caleb had just turned 12, Mackenzy was 14, Hannah was 16. Having not attempted a ski trip for several years, we decided it was time. We could use a few days of relaxation!

Kregg's sister, Kristie and her husband, Mike had a time share in Breckenridge. They had enough time banked that we were able to buy a week from them. They were going to come, too, as well as Kregg's parents, Audie and Marlene, and my sister, Stephanie. We had done all the research about rentals and ski school and lift tickets, trying to find the best prices for each. Even including bargains, anything times seven results in a large amount. Adding it all up, we had enough saved and made all the reservations.

Piling in Kregg's Tahoe with the car topper stuffed to overflowing, we loaded up and headed out. The weather forecast was looking good, the snow was great and we had the highest expectations. 

Thrilled to finally arrive, we found our condo and moved in. Everything was wonderful and everyone was anticipating hitting the slopes the next morning. It dawned bright and sunny. After enrolling kids in ski school, we headed up the mountain for the first run of the day. It was absolutely beautiful and the snow was perfect.
We checked in on the kids and found that Mackenzy was feeling a little sick. She had thrown up but seemed to then feel much better. Thinking it was just a reaction to the altitude, we continued on our merry way. 


That evening, the wheels started falling off. Elizabeth fell ill and Mackenzy started back up. The next day, Rebekah was also sick so I stayed at the condo with my patients. Kregg took the kids who were still vertical back out on the slopes. Rebekah had a mild case, but Elizabeth was violently ill all day. By the next morning, we were becoming very concerned. We had been unable to keep her from throwing up for more than an hour at a time. Worried about dehydration, we found a pediatrician willing to see us. 


Arriving at the doctor's office, we were seen quickly by the doctor. She informed us that there was a serious outbreak of the roto virus in the area and she had been forced to hospitalize several patients due to dehydration. Apparently, the virus had been awaiting our arrival in the condo. We had never dealt with this virus before and so the doctor made sure we fully understood the seriousness of our situation. Very strict guidelines were given that we were to follow to the letter.


Glad to have seen the doctor, we took our little invalid back to the condo to convalesce. It wasn't pretty, but she slowly began to improve. The rest of the kids and Kregg and I each eventually succumbed; everyone, that is, except Caleb. Thankfully, no one else had a serious a case. Unable to use any but that first day on my four day lift ticket, we just gave it away. Out of the rest of our extended family, only my sister Stephanie became sick while in Colorado. (Unfortunately, she then took it home to her husband.)


By the time our stay came to an end, we were all very ready to return home. Elizabeth had gone probably a day and a half without throwing up. The pediatrician had told us that some people have a relapse after a couple of days, but we were hoping for the best. Deciding to drive the whole way in one day, we started out early. Somewhere in the panhandle of Texas after dark, we had stopped beside the road to change drivers. Thankfully, Elizabeth was sitting by the passenger door in the middle row. I glanced at her and recognized "the look", grabbed a big plastic glass from the floorboard and held it under her mouth just as she let loose again. As soon as it was full, I quickly dumped it beside the road and prepared for the next deposit. Bless her heart, she was miserable. 


We made the best time we could and pulled into Midland, relieved to be home. Round two wasn't as bad, and she finally completely recovered. Caleb was the only one of us able to use all four days on his lift ticket, but after returning to Midland it was his turn. It wasn't until this last weekend, six years later, that we gathered enough courage to try another family ski trip. The boys have been, but this was the first time we all went. Happily, everyone enjoyed a wonderful virus-free weekend. 


Note to self: When making my packing list for trips, always include a large can of Lysol and douse any rooms before moving in!