First, I’m grateful that the swab test was negative and this is a variant of an acute upper respiratory tract viral infection, a.k.a., a common cold. Whatever it’s called, I’d rather not be sick. I am not a masochist who rolls around in suffering like a dog in roadkill. And neither will I preach, harangue or opine about the redemptive and heroic endurance of pain, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, yada, yada.
However, the dull headache, the scratchy throat and the runny nose are gentle reminders that I am not invincible — how easily I forget that the 1981 vehicle that is my body has a warranty period! While yesterday I was humming along with the best-laid plans on my Google calendar, today I am dragging. It’s humbling, but I promised I wouldn’t preach.
Later this afternoon, I am going to treat myself to a hot tea, then grab a nap, which are privileges of rest not afforded to everyone. This reminder gives me gratitude for my employer and also for my beloved, who cheerfully will pick up the kids from school. I hope this temporary ailment while result in more grateful attentiveness to all that she does for our family every single day.
Speaking of those kids, the youngest snot rocket is likely the source of my illness. I am painfully and grievously aware of children and parents who suffer from savage, awful diseases. As I blow my nose, one woman is in the hospital after a stroke, and another receiving chemotherapy. I see no value in comparing suffering, yet their plights remind me to send texts to offer them light and love.
When I don’t sound like a walrus, I can follow-up with a phone call or visit. For the time being, I can send DoorDash gift cards… Woah, that was a walrus-sized sneeze! But there is the burning orb in the blue sky and the parachuting golden leaves, which I might have missed if not for slowing down on account of this common cold. Ah-choo! And amen.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the author of the book with Wipf and Stock Publishers titled This Is the Day: A Year of Observing Unofficial Holidays about Ampersands, Bobbleheads, Buttons, Cousins, Hairball Awareness, Humbugs, Serendipity, Star Wars, Teenagers, Tenderness, Walking to School, Yo-Yos, and More. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he is a student of joy.
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