Fran Larson

Spring Happened While I Was Sick: Can Being Sick Bring Joy To Your Life?


Posted: Friday, March 26, 2010

by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/

Something happened while I was sick. While I was hugging myself with misery, trying hard to eat, it happened.

Spring happened.

My two Shih Tzus at times would be lying right beside me on the couch. They were squeezed in so tightly that I could hardly move. I was glad. They were a comfort. I have never been good at being sick. It makes me anxious, for some reason. They knew I did not feel well and needed the comfort. (Animals know more than people think but that is a whole other article).

While I was in my own little world of sickness, the temperature warmed. (At last, it feels like Florida). My neighbor, Randi had put out beautiful flowers in her front yard. Everyone was wearing shorts. People were trimming their dead brown branches, ready for new blooms. I walked outside and to my surprise, my hedge is already blooming.

Today, I feel so thankful for my health. Maybe we really need to feel miserable sometimes, so that we can appreciate all the times we feel good. It is so easy to not care too much how others feel or what they are going through. Yes, we mouth the words of "so sorry" or "what can I do to help?" but sometimes we try to block out the pain that others are experiencing. I am probably the guiltiest one of all.

Usually, when I am recovering, I have much more empathy for others, but then as I begin to feel better, it is more comfortable to not think too deeply about the burdens of other people.

Perhaps while spring was happening, God tapped me on the shoulder to remind me to think of other people. I believe that will bring total joy.

Francine Larson:

Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.

She is a freelance writer

Francine Larson has a new book that just came out, "The Lure of Annabelle Key Lighthouse," an exciting Christian Teen Novella. You may view it at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/115229/

See more articles by Francine Larson at:http://www.examiner.com/modern-love-in-tampa-bay/francine-larson

She also writes for The Highlands at Scotland Yards. She writes poetry and short stories. She is a contributor for Yahoo (http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/685738/francine_larson.html)

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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)
» left by Jennifer Stewart
 2 years 42 days ago.
152 fans.
I really enjoyed this, Fran! I find your writing so engaging. I can completely relate to feeling anxious when sick and how being vulnerable makes us more aware of the importance of compassion.
» left by Kacy Carr
 2 years 42 days ago.
Hi Fran sorry to hear you were not well and hope you are 100% better now. There is nothing like spring air to put the spring back in your step. By the way it's my favourite season.
 
Keep well Fran
 
Kacy
» left by Linda DeWitt
 2 years 41 days ago.
Sorry to hear you have been ill. I think the bad times make us appreciate the good times more. I am so glad you are doing better.
» left by Brianna Popsickle
 2 years 40 days ago.
Spring 'colds' are the worst when you hear the rest of your family and neighbours outside working in the yard after a long cold winter, and you're stuck in bed. Good article Fran.
» left by Janet Schick
 2 years 39 days ago.
11 fans.
Nice article.  Being the dog lover that I am, I zeroed in on your little dogs comforting you.  I once was sick in bed for 4 days, and I had a little spaniel that didn't leave my side the whole time (except to eat and go to the bathroom, of course).
» left by Marijo Phelps
 2 years 38 days ago.
142 fans.
This was like a bouquet of tulips sent to my door! I am going to try to do my walk outside today (with mud boots on) instead of the treadmill - we are at 44 degrees and melting but still some snow in the yard....will see. Thanks for writing this one Fran!
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