My husband has the flu. It could be the swine flu, or just the regular flu. That's pretty irrelevant as far as we're concerned. Flu is flu, and when you have it bad you don't really care if it's swine, avian, Spanish or any of the other bazillion strains floating around out there.
He's been sick for a week now, bad enough to stay in bed for four days so far. His fever comes in waves, peaking at a delirium-inducing 103F for hours before lowering enough that he can rest, only to return a few hours later. Headache, muscle spasms, nausea (but, blessedly, no vomiting) are non-stop. We have visited the doctor (we go to Naturopathic Doctors, reserving MDs for emergency / "put me back together because I got broken" events) and I have herbs, tinctures, frozen socks, cold compresses, and other wonderful tools to make him as comfortable as possible while his fever does its infestation-killing job.
Today he finally ate something more than broth or toast, which was a huge relief to both of us. I got him an ice-cold smoothie made with apple juice, blueberries and banana. He's also much more hydrated, finally, which is a very good sign considering how long he's had fever. He was a little perkier today, and even commented that he had a craving for fridge-cold pumpkin pie!
*************************
My husband has been my caretaker. After I was treated for the ectopic he sometimes had to carry me from the bedroom to the bathtub. Literally carry me up and down the stairs. I can't do that for him, but I am grateful for every moment of strength in which I can do other things that he needs right now. The more he can rest, stay hydrated and - as much as possible - fed, the better his healing will go. I can't carry him, but I can support him.
I feel honored to be the person to whom his care is entrusted. I bring him a handful of pills along with a glass of bitter-tasting tincture and he takes it all, no questions asked. He knows that I am looking out for him and supporting his healing. He trusts me to see to his needs.
To be so trusted is a true blessing. I have had the security of knowing that he could - and would - care for me when I was absolutely unable to care for myself. I can't come up with a word to adequately describe how I feel about having had this opportunity to display my love and strength to him in such a tangible way. I wish it weren't necessary, and that he were well, but I am thankful for what we are both learning from this long period of illness.
We have faith in each other. Every day this week has been a reminder of how much I must also place my faith in the Divine and relax into the knowledge that I am supported by Light Itself - not because I am special or "earned" it...simply because I AM. I am so thankful for this lesson in being needed, which has reminded me of how much I need my connection to Spirit.
Comments