It Is Summertime…Why Do I Have A Cold?!

The cows are standing hip deep in the middle of ponds, even the white cows. It is a sweltering, sticky, hot Georgia summer and I have a cold. Yep, full fledge with fever, chills, aches, pains, and all the other wonderful symptoms that accompany a cold. It started a week ago with the usual icky feeling in the back of the throat. But, I was determined no summer cold for me. The icky sensation went away. I thought whew my tart cherry juice is working its super power. Yeah, no summer cold for me.

Then it hit like a sledgehammer. First stage: fever, chills, joint aches, and overall I want to curl up in a ball and die. My best friend for the past four days has been my bottle of NyQuil. No need for the little plastic cup. Just pop the top, down a few deep swigs, and let the magic begin. It takes a lot to put me down in my bed for four days and folks that is where I’ve been. Of course, I’ve had the constant care of Zippee Cat and an occasional cat scan from Scrappy Doo. Girl checks in occasionally to report there’s no food in the bowls. Screech is outside the door screaming hello and momma at the top of his lungs because he does not have bedroom privileges. It has to do with doesn’t play well with others. Give me a break…I’m fighting for my one life against your nine. But, I have to give kudos to my husband, who was in throes of his own fight with the same dastardly cold virus. He was the one who brought me copious amounts of ice, water, and special treats.

In the midst of all the various stages my cold , I found myself thinking about what it was like being sick as a child. For me, it meant getting visits from my Grandmother and Aunts. They would come bearing gifts like coloring books and crayons. I’m talking about the big box with the sharpener in the back. Mom would break out the chicken noodle soup, Gatorade, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There would be the shellacking of Vick’s vapor rub on the chest.

Even at fifty-six years of age, I still wished for my mom. No disparage to my attending medical staff, but there is just something about moms that makes being sick a tad bit better. While my mom has since departed this spinning globe, she left me with a beautiful crochet blanket made from remnant skeins of yarn. It is quite colorful and has several tattered places from years of use. During these past few days of misery, I found comfort in snuggling under that blanket and thinking about the love she put each stitch. So, essentially, she was here with me.

I am glad to report that I am feeling human again and no longer have a magnetic pull towards a bright white light. Screech has had some “momma time” and Girl is happy the food bowl levels are back to her liking. Scrappy Doo is working on coding his bill and checking with the insurance company what my co-pay is. So, I look forward to being back in the gift shop to greet all of you.

Southern Pen Gifts is located INSIDE the Monroe Mercantile (Old Buckles Hardware) in downtown Monroe. We are located on the street level in the back left corner next to Cheely's Cafe'.

113 N Broad Street - Monroe, Georgia

Hours:

Tue - Thurs 11 to 5

Fri- Sat 10 to 6

Closed Sunday & Monday