Peace, comfort, and contagion

“Rest feels like every cell is thanking you for taking care of you. It’s calm, not full of checklists and chores.” ~Jennifer Williamson

I can’t think of anything more demoralizing than being sick during the holidays. Thanks to the rampant and highly contagious Influenza A, I’ve spent the past couple of days in bed, hooked on Mucinex, Tylenol, and chicken soup. Sadly, I’ve had to cancel some plans. This thing hit me so hard on the weekend that I wondered, at one point, if I should be hospitalized.

Thankfully, we finished our Christmas wrapping and shopping last week. So, I wish I could tell you that I’m resting guilt-free — but I’m not. It’s hard to give myself permission to shuffle around in my pajamas or stay in bed all day, even though I don’t feel like doing anything else.

As per doctor’s orders, it would be terribly unfair of me to leave the house and infect others, so my husband (who has a milder version of the bug) has been driving around town to pick up carryout meals for us. Yesterday, my doctor ordered a Tamiflu prescription, which I hope will get me back on my feet by Christmas.

Meanwhile, I hope all of you are enjoying your holidays and staying healthy. If you do get symptoms, there are test kits available that indicate whether you have COVID, or Influenza A or B. If you test positive, don’t feel guilty about pulling back and resting. This time of year, the best thing you can do is spread comfort and joy — not a virus infection. ~CL

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