Sick Days

I am not sick very often. When I catch a cold, I tend to keep on going—perhaps I’ll go to bed earlier, take Vitamin C, etc., but I try to keep up with my normal daily activities. Not this time. My husband has been coughing for nearly 2 weeks. He gave it to me. I didn’t feel bad so I kept on going. Two days ago I was feeling achy, so I went to the YMCA to loosen up my stiff joints. Not a good idea. By early evening I was running a low grade fever and had to cancel my plans for the evening. Yesterday, I convinced my husband to go on a “date” to the doctor; we came out with matching antibiotics. (It’s so nice to share.) By evening I had a high fever. I vegetated in an easy chair in front of the TV (which I never do). Today I woke up with a headache so I stayed home. I realize that I don’t play the sick role very well. I never nap but today I did. I don’t feel like doing anything, can’t think clearly, yet I’m bored. Clearly I’m spoiled. That’s not to say I don’t have my aches and pains, but I do manage to muddle through with those problems most of the time. How would I handle a serious illness that affected my ability to function both physically and mentally? I honestly don’t know. I suppose I take for granted the ability to be doing something constantly. I tend to be driven by the need to be productive—that old Puritan work ethic. Now I need to take a break from that for a few days and just get well. And I am reminded to be grateful for my usual good health.