When it comes to vows and similar rituals, I am a literalist. To me. it just means that you agree to stand by your partner whether they are well, or ill or dying. Nothing more. Nothing less. We’ve spent 40+ years together, and we have lived through injuries, surgeries, infections, infestations, cancer, and stroke. There was never any question that the challenges and burdens that these events imposed on us would be insurmountable or even a source of friction. Hell, part of the reason for taking a partner is to be better prepared for adversity – better prepared to survive.
This past week, after getting back from our holiday trip to Nebraska, I came down with some upper respiratory infection (URI). A home test showed that it wasn’t COVID, and after a couple of days of copious rhinorrhea and paroxysmal coughing, it was clear that it wasn’t allergies. Susan came down with the same thing. We haven’t had fever or chills, severe headache, lower respiratory symptoms like breathlessness, pleurisy or wheezing – just snot and paroxysms of coughing that often end in monosyllabic expletives. I don’t think that the monosyllabic expletives are pathognomonic for any disease, but there it is.
I figure we have some rhinovirus or something else that causes URI. Our sleep is interrupted, of course. The cats think that we are behaving oddly, but they seem to be making allowances, nonetheless. Susan has cancelled several Gym and PT appointments. I am avoiding anything strenuous and just lying low. I hope that we are both on the mend so that we can get together with friends for a meal of roasted tomato basil soup and grilled cheese sandwiches late next week. I could use the comfort for sure.
Hope you both feel better quickly. Do you like a nice grog?
When I was younger, I drank Rum and Coke. These days, I rarely have Rum except in Mojitos – Rum, simple syrup, muddled mint leaves, and ice. I doubt it would do anything for this virus, but if I consumed enough of the libation, I might care less about the persistent cough. Actually, we are both improving daily with what physicians call “tincture of time.” 🙂
Hello and Good Wishes for a Speedy Recovery!
I assume you are back in Austin. Do report what you did after you returned. I’m curious! I know both of you know how these infectious things transmit (and better than most of us do!). Anyone else in the car with you? Seems probably contracted during transit. Hope you have means to replenish food and fluids at home without going out. Keep us posted and I will pray. (It might help and it cannot hurt!)
Take good care!
LOVE
Sharon
We traveled alone, but we did spend much of a week with two little kids – one of whom had a URI. So, we either got our URI from a grandchild or maybe on the road where we stopped to eat and make pit stops. I’m almost back to normal. Susan is still sick. I became symptomatic maybe three days before Susan; so, maybe she will get back to normal soon.
You all take care of yourselves.
Tequila com limón y miel. 😛
Los gringos use whisky, limon y miel. 🙂