The Big Chill
There was one Bewitched episode in which (if I remember correctly) someone, probably Darren, was in the midst of raving about some great invention, to which Sam retorted "Yet you still haven't got a cure for the common cold." (or something of the like). In my quest for sugar-free cough suppressants today, I took a minute to marvel at the impressive display before me: racks of lozenges, sprays, instant-melt strips, rubs, vapors in every flavor. No, we still haven't got the cure, but we sure are compensating well. The utilitarian (and confused shopper) in me wished there were just one generic lozenge, THE Lozenge, with its appropriate dose of menthol and benzocaine for my consuming pleasure. Flavor not needed. If I really wanted watermelon, I could have got me some Jolly Ranchers, thank you very much.
Finally in line with my stock of store-brand lozenge, tissue box, and chicken broth, my eyes bloodshot and nose erythematous from the irritation of paper towels upon them, I thought of how appropriate this sudden onset of illness was. In fact, it was years overdue. Years of running in the rain, walking out with undried hair, tempting fate, only to succumb to the strange viruses that plague children on the pediatric ward. I am reminded that I do not play the sick role well, trying to overcome illness by running six miles rather than four, thinking that surely exercise would boost my immunity, continuing to go to work, blowing my nose out during morning rounds. Lovely. We thought sick people were supposed to stay in the ER, awaiting the mercy of the triage nurses.
But I indulge in this new role, sublimating it to the best of my ability. (when that maculopapular rash begins, will it be centripetal or centripedal?) Loving the feeling that my call home this week will not be laden with uncertainty and silence, because illness is the most interesting topic of all. Mothers will take every opportunity to reassert their role. Loving the ability to validate 6 hour naps during the day when I ought to be studying.
I should do this more often. Hopefully before a cure for the common cold finally gets out.
Finally in line with my stock of store-brand lozenge, tissue box, and chicken broth, my eyes bloodshot and nose erythematous from the irritation of paper towels upon them, I thought of how appropriate this sudden onset of illness was. In fact, it was years overdue. Years of running in the rain, walking out with undried hair, tempting fate, only to succumb to the strange viruses that plague children on the pediatric ward. I am reminded that I do not play the sick role well, trying to overcome illness by running six miles rather than four, thinking that surely exercise would boost my immunity, continuing to go to work, blowing my nose out during morning rounds. Lovely. We thought sick people were supposed to stay in the ER, awaiting the mercy of the triage nurses.
But I indulge in this new role, sublimating it to the best of my ability. (when that maculopapular rash begins, will it be centripetal or centripedal?) Loving the feeling that my call home this week will not be laden with uncertainty and silence, because illness is the most interesting topic of all. Mothers will take every opportunity to reassert their role. Loving the ability to validate 6 hour naps during the day when I ought to be studying.
I should do this more often. Hopefully before a cure for the common cold finally gets out.
posted by Maureen @ 8:00 PM
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