Thank you for posting this story. I have to admit I too have made small steps towards taking control of my life and this phobia. I too have two young children and I have to be in control of them when they are sick, b/c I cannot expect my husband to come rushing home from work every time they have an illness, b/c I am afraid of them getting sick and I don't want to deal with it. The good news is, now I can. I can and I have, several times on my own. I did it b/c there were plenty of times I didn't have a choice there was no one but me and my kids were miserable. They didn't need a cowering, terrified wimp, the needed a Mom. I have been able to step up and deal with it. I just wish I was strong enough to face it on a personal level for myself that is still my fear that I need to overcome, the fear of MYSELF doing it. If I could beat that, I will have beaten the whole thing. I pray that maybe one day I will do that. But your story gives me hope. One question, since your story is recent and it's unrelated? How long did the bug generally last even for your sickest child?? I have one down with that AND strep throat at the same time and we had to take her to urgent care for fluids last night b/c she was dehydrated. Not v* anymore, but still having the d* and generally weak, run down, tummy pain, etc??? Thanks again!!!