On an evening that extended well past bedtime, writer and photographer Siobhan Connally noticed an unsettling sensation in her throat. It wasn’t quite an itch, but something felt off as she prepared for bed. With symptoms emerging late at night, Connally suspected she might be coming down with a cold, a realization that would set the tone for her day ahead.
Waking Up to Illness
The following morning, Connally faced a fire-filled throat and general discomfort. She wrestled with the decision to take a sick day, a concept that has grown less appealing with age. Memories of childhood sick days, where comfort came from a mother’s care and a bowl of soup, contrasted sharply with her solitary adult experience. Without her mother to check her temperature and offer reassurance, Connally faced the reality of self-care.
Her thoughts drifted to an old adage: “feed a cold, starve a fever.” While the notion seemed straightforward, the logic surrounding hydration was less so. As she settled on the couch, ensconced in a warm blanket, Connally surrendered to a marathon of gothic crime series, a distraction from her discomfort. The cozy confines of her home were punctuated by the warmth of a roaring wood stove, a comforting presence in her otherwise dreary state.
Seeking Solutions and Comfort
Eventually, hunger nudged her thoughts toward a piece of dry toast, visible from her vantage point on the sofa. The twelve-foot journey to the kitchen felt daunting, but the warmth of the stove provided some motivation. Connally made a mental note: when the firewood transitioned from flames to embers, she would prepare something to eat. Yet, as she stood at the stove, tending to the fire with one hand and balancing toast with the other, her mother’s voice echoed in her mind. “If the sore throat persists without other cold symptoms, it could be a strep infection,” she recalled.
In light of current health concerns, Connally decided to test for COVID-19, seeking clarity amid the uncertainty. A negative result brought a deep sigh of relief, but the need for fluids and rest remained paramount. She returned to the couch, her dedicated companion being a murder mystery series, when her college-age son emerged from his hibernation.
Concerned for her welfare, he inquired, “You’re not working… Are you feeling okay?” His realization of her condition prompted him to offer assistance. “Can I get you something? I can go to the store… get you some soup and crackers and fruit juice.”
Grateful for the offer, Connally felt a tinge of improvement at the thought of her son’s kindness. It was a reminder that even in times of illness, the bonds of family can provide comfort and support. As she awaited her son’s return, she reflected on the challenges of managing health independently while also appreciating the small gestures that can make a significant difference.
Through her experience, Connally illustrates the reality of navigating sickness as an adult, where the comforting embrace of family and the simple act of caring for oneself become invaluable. In the end, even a dreaded sick day can lead to moments of connection and reflection.
