I have a cold.
I'm on a girlfriend trip with friends from college, and I got a cold. I spent most of our last day together in a steam room -- without my friends -- trying to make my cold go away. I lasted through about 15 minutes of our final dinner together, and finally gave it up, went back to the room, finished packing and went to sleep, hoping to wake up feeling better.
How sad is that!
Actually, not so sad at all... just a minor mishap along life's winding road.
What I really feel is blessed:
- Neither of my roommates treated me like I had the plague, even though I'm sure they weren't the least bit interested in catching any part of my cold.
- I had friends from all three rooms checking on me, offering honey and other suggestions to quiet my hacking cough.
- I was treated with kindness, consideration, and care, by my friends and by everyone who worked at the hotel.
Some might think these pleasantries would be taken for granted; but I feel very different about the good things that come my way, even if those blessings accompany an illness or ache.
- I was able to take time off from my normal routine to spend a few days with friends from 40+ years ago who now live in all different parts of the country.
- We all share relative good health, as do our most immediate circles of families and friends.
- Even, with this trip in mind, some have to save up money or vacation time in order to participate in this particular yearly adventure, we are typically able to achieve our goals.
Life is good, and I'm glad we are the type of people who are able to appreciate that fact. Luck, and an ability to focus on the good, surely receive the most credit for where we place our thoughts; one may be due to life's greater plans for us, but the other is certainly a matter of a positive mindset that we choose to maintain.
I used to tell my husband and children that I've been to the dark side, and know I prefer to enjoy and appreciate the light. Yes, this is true, but my version of the dark side is probably much less difficult than what others have experienced... and probably worse than that of others. Still, I'll be very happy to keep the life I've been given this time around.
- Basic use of only one of my two eyes
- Curvature of the spine
- A first marriage ending in divorce
- The loss of both parents
vs.
- A second marriage that I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams
- A combined fabulous family of 5 children, 4 spouses/significant others, and 7 grandchildren
- Friends and family who truly care about me
- Travel experiences to locations I only used to teach and dream about
So, I have a cold and some aches?
ACHOO... G-d blessed me:)