Something About Today

It started with just a little tickle in the back of my throat, then itchy eyes, progressing to a runny nose. Allergies! A nuisance, but nothing I couldn’t get over in a day, right? The next morning I developed a little cough, which soon became a big cough, accompanied with a fever, and at some point I couldn’t find enough energy to even pretend to work or function as a human. I had to go to bed, and stay there.

And so, there I was. Drifting in and out of consciousness – drugged up on cough syrup and antihistamines, fortified with generous doses of zinc and vitamin C tablets.

Despite all my efforts, I was sick. I hate being sick!

#Loathe.

For the past 7 days and 7 nights I’ve been miserable, and very grumpy. I am not a “patient Patient” willing to blissfully lay around waiting to be well again.

I hate not being able to get outside and go running. I hate wasting time being off work – which normally could be an enjoyable experience – but yet in this state completely unable to do anything as simple as vacuuming my floor or doing the dishes – let alone doing anything truly enjoyable like hiking the trails above my house, or writing, or [until now] blogging. No energy. And, I hate not being able to sing, sitting on the sidelines in the “quarantine” bench during Choir practice…

My entire routine has been completely disrupted, and just when everything was going so well! I was increasing my endurance with my training runs and looking forward to this weeks 10K race. 😦 I was even starting to adjust to being a morning riser (a big deal for me).

Top 10 Sick Things

I’ve tried to look for some useful ‘life lessons’ about all of this setback. I haven’t found much. Here’s a few random observations:

1. I am grateful for technology to keep me connected with the world and prevent me from completely losing my mind. phone, text, iPad, game apps, social apps, movie apps. #geekyisgood
2. However, there’s only so much social media someone can stand in a day. Even me. #burnedout
3. Six days of binge watching NetFlix is my absolute limit. #bingedout
4. British shows and movies are ALWAYS better. They just always are. #hailBritannia
5. Series I enjoyed: “The Paradise” #delightful
6. Movie I enjoyed: “From Time To Time” – because there’s Maggie Smith! and, it’s family friendly… also, #ghosts
7. Another movie I recommend: “Woman in Gold” (because there’s Helen Mirren! and it’s a beautiful true holocaust story) #goodcry
8. I highly recommend ANYTHING BBC (see number 5) #bbcrocks
9. Maybe I will lose weight since I have no appetite and cannot taste food #wishfulthinking
10. I miss my Mom more when I am sick. Even as an adult. She and Dad are on a cruise, having a wonderful time [and I’m so happy for her!] but, all week I have felt sorry for myself because I know if she were here, she would be fussing over me, and make us her famous soup and rolls for dinner. #NeverTooOld

So, the Lord really knows the wishes of our hearts, and He works in wonderful little ways to bless us. … aka: I love relief society.

Angels Are Real People

An amazing angel Sister in my ward congregation happened to text me yeterday. We chatted randomly, but somehow she figured out that I was laying in bed being ill, so she showed up at our door that night with dinner for my whole family! Not only that, she went totally out of her way to make sure it was gluten free for my daughter’s sake. And, guess what she made for us?

That’s right. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, and homemade rolls.

Just like my Mom would have, if she were here.

It was just like a Hallmark Movie. And, so delicious.

I don’t think this sweet lady can even comprehend how much her random act of selfless service would mean the whole world to me and my family. Not only did we get to have a hot home-cooked meal [after 7 nights of my husband providing either pizza or leftovers, bless him], I also got the little dose of mothering that I really needed.

Living Again

So, I finally decided it was time to “take up my bed and walk” [or crawl] so speak. I have come back to work at the office. I’m still coughing, but not as much. I still can’t sing, but someday I will. I still can’t run, but someday I will. I’m still feeling sorry for myself. But, then I stumbled across this quote today.

Sigh.

OK. It’s true.

My “journey” right now has been all about me crossing the finish line of being ill, so I can win the prize of being well and strong and do everything I want again.

A reminder of The truth. I’m Alive. And, every day of being alive is a gift. There are plenty of other people going through much worse struggles. It’s time for my pity party to end!

“Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.”

“No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and JOY if only we will see and appreciate it… … we cannot take for granted one single day. I pray that we will not wait until we are ready to die before we truly learn to live.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Dieter F. Uchtdorf – Of Regrets And Resolutions, October 2012

THIS is the DAY – right now – to LIVE to it’s fullest, whatever “the fullest” might mean for this moment on the path.

I am glad today for the reminder from President Uchtdorf that each day is a gift, and there is “something in each day to embrace and cherish!”

Today, I will cherish homemade chicken noodle soup.

What is something you will cherish about today?

– MoSop