BESIEGED IN LOVE

My Dear Friends,

AS THE DAMSEL OF OLD OR MAYBE AS AN OLD DAMSEL, I HAVE BEEN BESIEGED!

We have read about it happening worldwide.  People at home abed or lined up inside and outside hospitals with – I’m afraid if I say it will it come back and bite me again – THE FLU.

I come from good peasant stock.  In the home where I grew up, getting sick was not an option. Being one of eight, my mother did not allow it for two reasons: time and money. She didn’t have the time or the money to cater to any illness.

Many is the time I remember being sent home from school with this or that ailment and my mother taking one look and sending me right back. And the tussle would begin. And if memory serves my mother won out more times than the school.  This is all to say I had a healthy disrespect for being sick.

Probably because I have been fortunate in avoiding the usual colds and flu until….. the end of December… All I can tell you, my friends, is that January is a complete blur. I think I was around for it. I just don’t have the specifics.

And bugs and viruses (Are they twins or different species? Not sure.) have no respect for people… infants to seniors, rich and poor. In today’s world when it comes to infection we are one sneezing, coughing, fevered, unhappy family. If being part of the global family means sharing our bugs and illnesses, I am going to opt for hermithood.

If it sounds like I am bitching…you got that right. Phew!  Glad that’s done!

Now let me get to the gratitude because it is that gratitude that began the healing process. I am firmly convinced that my bitchy attitude made the healing harder. Once I realized self-pity and the ever-present judgment and blame was ruling my consciousness, I surrendered.  I think it is amazing that no one called me on my negativity. In recovery, all I got was support and love.

I shall remember, my dear friends, that when a friend or loved one is not feeling well, give them the “ah-ha, oh, yes, I understand.  It must feel terrible. Is there anything I can do for you.”  And mean it. Because, in fact, that verbal caring goes a long way in recovery.

Yes, my mother’s need for us to not be ill was based on time and money. Time is certainly a factor in getting well.  It took me over a month and I am still working on it. And I am not negating money. No, it is essential to recovery.  But it isn’t the ultimate.

I would like to share with all those “billionaires” who think that by buying votes they can buy their health. I am here to tell you that can only happen if it comes wrapped in LOVE.

To all my friends and family, Thank You for your time and money, but mostly thank you for healing me with your love and kindnesses which cannot be bought.

With Love, Sally-Jane