Final answer:
In "I Stand Here Ironing," Emily contracted measles during the first two years away from her mother. The story explores the mother's reflections on this event and its effects on her daughter's life.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the short story "I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen, the character Emily contracts measles while she is separated from her mother. The narrative does not focus on the specifics of the illness but instead on the mother's reflections on her relationship with Emily and the circumstances that led to their separation. The mother muses on Emily's life experiences, including her illness, and the impact on their bond and Emily's development.