Experiencing a sick day can be a profound reminder of childhood simplicity, but for many adults, it often brings a wave of responsibilities and the need for self-care. Writer and photographer Siobhan Connally, residing in the Hudson Valley, describes her recent battle with illness, which began late one evening when she felt an unusual sensation in her throat.
Initially, Connally dismissed her discomfort as the onset of a cold. As she prepared for bed, the dull ache in her throat evolved into congestion and body aches, making sleep elusive. She vividly recalls the struggle of finding a comfortable position to rest, fearing that waking up would feel akin to suffering a minor collision.
When morning arrived, Connally faced a painful reality: her throat felt inflamed, and she experienced gastrointestinal distress from consuming too many medicated lozenges. Standing before the mirror, she contemplated taking a sick day, a decision that, as an adult, lacked the same childlike excitement she once felt in her youth. With her mother no longer around to provide comfort and remedies, she relied on her memory of old advice: “feed a cold, starve a fever.”
While Connally wrestled with her symptoms, she remembered that staying hydrated was crucial. She settled into a cozy spot on the couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, and took control of the remote, diving into a series of gothic crime dramas as the sun set. The thought of dry toast lingered in her mind, though the short trek to the kitchen felt daunting.
As she sat by the roaring wood stove, Connally made a deal with herself: once the flames turned to embers, she would venture out for nourishment. Later, balancing dry logs for the fire with a piece of toast, her mother’s warning echoed in her mind about the potential for a strep infection if her sore throat persisted without additional cold symptoms.
In an era where health concerns loom large, Connally decided to test for COVID-19 to eliminate uncertainty, ultimately receiving a negative result. With a deep sigh of relief, she returned to her couch, where another murder mystery awaited her.
The quiet of her home was disrupted when her returning college student emerged from his hibernation, seeking snacks from the fridge. A moment of concern crossed his face when he perceived his mother’s weakened voice. “Can I get you something? I can go to the store… get you some soup and crackers and fruit juice…”
Connally’s heart warmed at the offer, a small reminder of the nurturing connections that persist even during illness. She accepted his kind gesture, feeling a bit better already.
In a world that often emphasizes productivity over personal health, Connally’s experience offers an important lesson: sometimes, pausing to care for oneself is not just necessary—it can be a deeply rewarding experience. The act of slowing down can foster connections and remind us of the importance of compassion, both for ourselves and from those we love.
