Laid up

Your body will give you signs when all's not well in me-town.

It starts out subtly suggesting that maybe it's time to start taking things easy.

But these signs are quashed in the rush of routine and responsibilities.

Until all the warning signs have been ignored and your body just refuses to budge, taking on an "I told you!" stance, and sticking to it's guns this time... for your own good.

And so it turns out, on the first day of my holiday, that I am laid up in bed, unable to move, feeling under the weather and hiding out under the covers.

It always happens like this, as soon as I go into relaxation mode, my body crashes.

There has to be an upside to this?

And there it is!

Someone's taking care of me, and he is taking it seriously.

It does feel strange to be on the receiving end of nurturing. As a wife and mom it is normally the other way round.

I am going to enjoy this.

I can feel my body relaxing in appreciation:

"Silly, woman, you don't always need to be strong! It can be quite off putting."

Unpracticed at this, I do what feels comfortable: cosy, big fleece PJ's, stacked pillows, knees raised...

He comes to me with medication, orange juice and a look of concern.

Sits at the foot of the bed.

I give him a look, puppy dog eyes, to extract sympathy.

"Are you feeling ok? Can I get you anything?"

I mumble something, everything about me lethargic.

He plumps pillows, straightens covers, at a loss as to what to do, so he does too much.

"Shall I bring you some soup? You must try to eat something?"

All I want to do is sleep.

He leaves me to it.

I drift off, dream of the ocean but I am woken up by waves of pain.

I call to him , "I think I'll take that massage now with the heated ointment."

I strip, lie on my tummy stretched out in front of him like a race track, hoping he'll drive me hard, round and round in a race to bring relief.

I feel his weight on the bed as he kneels down beside me, hear the clap as he heats his hands, and my body flexes in anticipation. I start the countdown..."Ready?" (Set! Go!)

I raise the small of my back, greedy for the heat he brings.

Ahhh...That's the spot...

1 Lap to go and he brings me home.

I turn around, spasm have receded, gratitude in my eyes.

He pulls the covers snug. "Was that good?"

I manage a quick wink before nodding off.

Things TO DO in bed (when you sick)

He is definitely at the top of my list.