by Roz Burak

Before you ask, I did not get a flu shot.   As I always feel crappy for one or two days after the shot, I couldn’t find a good time to get it.   Instead, I’ve been sick for three weeks and still counting.  Oh well — another one of those people plan and G-d laughs.

I don’t know when it started, but some time around turning 70 aches and pains took on a new meaning —- Like – uh oh is this the end????  Headaches have become signs of a stroke and indigestion is now a heart attack for sure.  Oy Oy Oy.  As Betty Davis so wisely said, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.”

The thing about this new found interpretation of ills is it’s made me more appreciative of every day.  A friend and I speak every night.  Our sign off from these calls is “Have pleasant dreams and wake up happy,” I find myself thinking of that after I wake up.  I rarely remember my dreams although I’m always happy to wake up. ☺

It’s taking me longer to recover from the flu than I remember.  I say that’s because of my age. However, truth be told, I don’t remember ever having the flu.  What I am learning is it takes what it takes.  Fighting it by doing more than I should only makes it worse. 

The upside of taking longer to recover is it gave me time to knit. I started sweaters for myself and a friend’s 6 yr. old granddaughter.  And I finished a baby blanket for a newborn and a cowl for myself.  It also gave me time to read!!!!  I read three mysteries and the New Yorker and Wired magazines.  A real luxury. 

Another interesting discovery during this time of recovery is about my body.  I realized that usually when I speak about my body, I think of it as something other than me.  I know that sounds silly, but check it out for yourself.  How many times have you said “this blah blah blah upsets my stomach” and ate it anyway.  You don’t really think it upsets YOU.  See what I mean.  And, if not, forget I said it. 

My point is although not feeling well isn’t great — being here to ‘not feel well’ is pretty wonderful.

January 24, 2024