A summer cold

As I sit here in my apartment, surrounded by used tissues, I am struck by the fact that though I am sick, I am fortunate.

Now don't get me wrong, this cold is miserable. I feel as if I have to search out each thought from within a thick fog, and my eyes and nose are running like faucets. But I am warm in my soft bed, with tissues at my side and cool water within arms reach. I am fortunate.

I can call out and one of my children will come to hug me to comfort me. I have to walk only a short distance to the bathroom, where the medicine cabinet holds a multitude of "magic" to make my symptoms less noticeable. And this cold will pass quickly, and be forgotten. I am fortunate.

Though I have found myself complaining today about how terrible I feel, I am usually able-bodied (though out of shape). I could afford to take the day off today without fear of retribution or losing my job and have the benefit of sick pay that will allow me to not feel a financial sting from this illness. I am fortunate.

I hope that one day all of my sisters, wherever in the world they live, will be able to weather illness in the relative comfort that I feel now. That they will be able to provide themselves with much needed self care without fear, or shame, or guilt, or isolation. That taking care of themselves will not limit their abilities to take care of their children or jobs. That they will have access to clean, cool water within arms reach, and needed medications within short distances. And that their illnesses will pass quickly and be forgotten.

That we will all be so fortunate.