The scratchy throat.
The chills.
The nose that is running like a faucet…I call it “galloping,” even.
The complete lack of energy.
Yep. The common cold. It happens to everyone at one time or another, but when it turns its gnashing teeth to the MAMA, it’s an even bigger bummer! Well, folks, this was my week to win that lottery. Mmmm hmmm. I know, you’ve all been there and can commiserate with my suffering. Ok yes, that is completely overly dramatic. But man…my nose is being overly dramatic over here. Ha!
When the mama is down for the count, it sometimes seems like the whole household stands still, especially when the kids are small. In this department, I know I’ve been truly blessed. My husband has always been amazing and quick to jump into action when we need him to take over my “mom” duties. He takes care of meals, cleanup, and makes sure I have everything I need to make a speedy recovery. Even today when he is traveling on business…he found out I am not feeling great and made sure an Instacart order was on its way to the house. Yes, he’s a keeper for sure! I’ve also been very blessed to have family and friends that can (and have!) stepped up when I’ve been down for longer periods of time due to surgeries, injuries, etc. Now, our kids are old enough to pitch in and help with everything that needs to be done, too. Our daughter even made me homemade soup! She even knows my recipe for Magical Chicken Soup. Ok, it’s not actually magic, but it sure tastes great. I’ll share my recipe down at the bottom of this article.
Have you ever been taken care of? How did it feel? For some of us, it’s a relief, while others of us struggle to accept help because it may feel awkward. Maybe we even feel guilty for inconveniencing someone else to do something for us. Mamas, I’m here to tell you…if someone asks if they can help you, they mean it. Accept their gift of love. They are showing you just a hint of the love they feel coming from you.
That reminds me of something. When it’s NOT our turn on the merry-go-round of sneezing and nose blowing, it’s so important to support others who are taking an unwanted turn. In fact in older times, it was very common for neighbors and extended family members to take care of each other in times of illness. For instance, in our grandmothers’ and great-grandmothers’ time, hearing a neighbor was sick called for an immediate casserole and jello mould. Maybe even some homemade soup and fresh loaf of bread. When a family member fell ill, other members often showed up with medicines, hot water bottles, tea, and more food. They might even spend time tidying the house for the mama who was sick in bed. Or doing laundry, Or playing with the kids. Isn’t that amazing? I will venture to say that most mamas nowadays don’t have a solid support system like that, and if you do, you are one of the lucky ones for sure! I know that I am. And I am so grateful.
That’s it. That’s all I’ve got for today. I think I’ll grab a cup of peppermint tea, my box of tissues, and my favorite blanket and go curl up on the couch. If you need me, I’ll be parked there until I feel better. And I will be spending time feeling grateful for having everything I need, thanks to my beautiful family. Even in sickness, our hearts can find joy!
Melissa's Magical Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- cooked chicken bones (place into cheesecloth bag for easy removal)
- 2 C chopped carrots
- 2 C chopped celery
- 2 C chopped onion (white or yellow)
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 C cooked chicken (leftovers are great, or make some shredded in the pressure cooker)
- enough water to fill the pot 3/4 of the way full (add water last)
- kosher salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- 1 tsp dried parsley, crushed
Instructions
- Toss all chopped veggies, bones(in the cheesecloth b and chicken into a large stockpot.
- Add rosemary and parsley.
- Fill pot with water until it's 3/4 full.
- Bring to a boil,
- Turn heat down to simmer.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer until veggies are soft.
- Remove bones and discard before serving.