Mother Ship Down!

Originally Posted: March 2017

Funny thing, illness. As inconvenient and frustrating as it can be, it has the unique redeeming quality of being able to provide much needed perspective from some of life's most uncomfortable angles. It pins you to the mat with all the grace of an elephant sitting on a lawn chair and tells you, in a tone that brooks no argument, to have a look 'round.

Flat on the mat is exactly where I've been for 99 hours and counting. I readily admit to having taken extreme umbrage regarding the whole ridiculous affair. But all is not lost.

I've been given a grand reminder of just how much my husband loves me as he has selflessly put aside his own tasks and taken charge. In the day-to-day race to check off boxes, I often forget to listen to the quiet, unspoken love. Well, here it is, loud and clear. And while it's always tempting (though unhealthy) to keep score in a marriage, nothing is as humbling as being shown complete and utter grace by the one person who vowed to stick by you through every thick and thin, and realize that all points recently earned most definitely reside in their column.

The lesson has gone in the opposite direction, as well, as my husband has received a stark reminder of, and appreciation for, what I contribute while he's at work every day. He's handled it all beautifully, but has told me in no uncertain terms that he will most definitely NOT throw me in a gunny sack, followed closely thereafter by a river, and I am ordered to get well.

My pint-sized nursing staff refuels me with every giggle and adorable fever check. I am, indeed, the luckiest mom in the world! Their smiles and snuggly little voices creeping over the sheets from daddy's side of the bed infuse me with good vibes and love. Pretty darned good medicine, I say.

And I am reminded that I am not in charge. Not truly. While it's not easy to ask for help, I must do so, repeatedly, from my husband, from my children and, most importantly, from my God. And that's ok. Together, we got this.

I can only hope that these lessons stick for a while because I would dearly love for this elephant to vacate the area and not return for the foreseeable future. But I treasure the lessons, nonetheless. Lord knows, I can always use the reminders.