When Siobhan Connally, a writer and photographer based in the Hudson Valley, began to feel unwell late at night, she quickly recognized the signs of an impending cold. With a sore throat and the onset of congestion, she made the difficult decision to take a sick day, reflecting on how this experience differs significantly from childhood sick days.
As Connally shuffled through her evening routine, the discomfort in her throat became more pronounced. She recalled the once comforting rituals of childhood, where her mother would check her temperature and offer soothing words along with a bowl of soup. Now, in her adult life, the absence of that familiar support left her to navigate the discomfort alone.
The following morning, Connally awoke to a painful throat and a queasy stomach, a result of overusing medicated lozenges. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, she weighed the decision to take a sick day. Gone were the days of carefree rest; instead, she faced the reality of adult responsibilities.
Memories of old remedies flooded her mind, including the adage, “feed a cold, starve a fever.” She considered these words while curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, remote control in hand. As she watched a series of gothic crime dramas, she yearned for something as simple as a piece of dry toast.
Determined to care for herself, she formulated a plan to venture to the kitchen when the fire in the wood stove dwindled to embers. As she prepared toast, her mother’s advice echoed in her thoughts: persistent sore throats could signal a more serious issue, such as a strep infection. To rule out COVID-19, she took a test, which thankfully returned negative.
Back on the couch, Connally found some comfort in the television when her college-aged son emerged from his own hibernation. Noticing his mother’s condition, he offered assistance, asking if he could fetch her soup and crackers. The simple gesture lifted her spirits, as she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her.
This experience illustrates the often-overlooked challenges of managing health as an adult, especially when one must balance self-care with daily obligations. Connally’s narrative sheds light on the importance of compassion and support, even in the simplest forms, as one navigates the inevitable ups and downs of life.
Siobhan Connally’s column about family life appears weekly, capturing the essence of everyday experiences with honesty and warmth.
