There have been numerous legislative bills that seek to equalize men and women’s pay in the workforce. That’s an admirable thing, because if two people do the same job equally well, then the pay should reflect it. I am thinking about asking my congressman to introduce a bill that will give moms the same sick time that men get. Not necessarily sick leave mind you, but just the same treatment that guys get when they get the sniffles.

I am recovering from the flu. It hit me hard this weekend to the point all I could do was shiver under two blankets and doze. It’s a testament to moms everywhere that even when we are sick that we still try to manage the household. I made phone calls making sure that my facility was going to run, and that my son knew that he needed to get a ride home from his game in between trips to la-la land and waiting for the room to stop spinning. I was surrounded by pillows and things that I thought I should take care of while I had the “free” time. By Monday I was feeling well enough to take a road trip to the kitchen.

This was the signal to all that my vacation was over. The dogs had to go to the groomers, and there was ball practice and homework to get through. While gathering my energy, I asked the kids why they thought I was feeling better, and they said, “Because you’re standing up.”

My husband can get a sinus headache and you would think that he would do like the rest of us normal folks, and pop a decongestant and maybe Tylenol. Nope, He has to make sure I know he’s suffering for at least an hour. Then I have to cajole him into taking some medicine, promising chocolate and maybe a back rub. Then comes the slow walk down the hallway to the bedroom where the curtains have been drawn and making sure the remote is handily placed next to a cold glass of soda. A refreshing nap ensues, then I am back to take his dinner order. He did step up and get me soup from a favorite take-out place but not without trying to fob off the canned stuff first. (I am not picky; it’s a question of food allergies.)

I would just really like to get the same treatment that I dish out. Of course, I can’t blame the kids, yet. They are still minors, and under the law they are afforded certain luxuries, like food, love and shelter.

When my husband and I got married, we promised to love, honor and cherish each other through sickness and in health. I just want to know why his sickness is so much better than mine.

I bet I can get a few signatures on a petition to get the government to make a change. Who knows? This could be a change we can all believe in.

Z. Carlson, who works part-time, is married with two children. Read more from her here.