Dear Fever,

Hi again! It's me, Sam's mom. It's been great having you around for the last NINE DAYS. No, really. Watching the dark circles under Sam's eyes sink deeper into his eye sockets has been fascinating. It's like our own little science project! And the way you make him break into full body sweats and twitch and moan all night is swell. Extra points for the convulsive kicks to my stomach.

The day you hit 105.8 was terrific. And we thought you were almost gone! You really outdid yourself there.

Your tenacity paid off, though. Two bottles of Motrin and ten days of Amoxycillin in -- three vials of blood out. Sam's a lucky guy to have a loyal friend like you.

And I appreciate you too. Spending the summer with two cooped-up little boys sure is fun! Fever AND cabin fever! Honestly, I don't know how we can thank you enough.

I'd say come back anytime but I already know you will. I'm sure we'll see you soon~

Sam's mom.