We all get sick. It happens to the bestand the worstof us, and we dont like it. Being too sick to go to work, do household chores, or any number of daily duties can be frustrating. But there is one thing that can make it bearable, almost pleasant. Is that even a word that can be connected to being sick? Maybe so.
If were lucky, we have a spouse who makes the time of misery a little less miserable than it really is. This happened to me recently.
I was feeling poorly for several days. That can get old for the ailing one and really old for her spouse if the illness lingers very long. Heres what he did to make it less miserable for me:
1. He went shopping
We needed things. The refrigerator needed things. While he was gone he called: Im in Costco. What was the name of that bread your sister said you would love? She had told me how crunchyI love crunchy anythingit was, and that she bought it there. I pulled up the picture of the package she sent on my phone and told him.
He came home with it, just for me. I know its just for me because hes not that fond of crunchy nuts and seeds in his bread.
2. He did the laundry
Yep. The laundry. He loaded up the undies firstwe were running low. Gotta have clean undies. Then the towels. He even folded them and put them away. Such an act has an almost instant healing effect on me. He dried them with dryer sheets that sent forth whiffs of heavenliness with each caress of the item. What a guy!
3. He took my calls
He knew I didnt feel like having a conversation with anyone, especially a troubled soul. He protected me. He handled the calls, soothed the needy ones, and let me rest. Ahhh. Now thats a gift.
4. He fixed my favorite homemade chicken noodle soup
As I lay there on the couch in the family room by the kitchen he would say, Now what do I do next? Then he would do it.
Step by step he chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and added the chicken and noodles with all the seasonings that make this soup so extraordinary. And voila! The soup became a reality. He brought it to me on a tray, and it tasted delicious. He was pleased, and so was I. He likes it, too.
5. He told me I was beautiful
Now thats a stretch. I checked to see if his pants were on fire. I had seen myself in the mirror and became well aware of what a really bad hair day/week I was having. Thanks goodness I touched up my pale face with a bit of lip stick. It must have done wonders. His words made me feel...well, maybe not beautiful, but definitely less ugly.
6. He gave me hugs
Hugs are the real healers. His body warmth warms mine. Then he whispers things like I love you, and I wish I could make you all better. He pampers my heart with his tender words and loving caresses. They are magic.
7. He prayed for me
Not general prayers. Specific ones. Things like, bless my wife to sleep well tonight, and help her feel strength returning to her body.
He gives God something specific to work on. He reminds me of the Bible verse, James 4:2: Ye have not, because ye ask not. So he asks, in my behalf, and I feel encircled in his and Gods love.
Im certain hes not the only man who shows this kind of loving care to his wife. I have seen the elderly man across the street tenderly caring for his wife who is failing with Alzheimers. I see another man down the street taking out the trash, and another who is driving his wife to her doctors appointment. I see good deeds from men all over the place. But the only one I can truly testify of is my guy.
To him I say, Honey, if youre reading this article, please know that I appreciate all you do for me. I love you. You are my hero.
Now Im going to try to be his when he needs me.
If were lucky, we have a spouse who makes the time of misery a little less miserable than it really is. This happened to me recently.
I was feeling poorly for several days. That can get old for the ailing one and really old for her spouse if the illness lingers very long. Heres what he did to make it less miserable for me:
1. He went shopping
We needed things. The refrigerator needed things. While he was gone he called: Im in Costco. What was the name of that bread your sister said you would love? She had told me how crunchyI love crunchy anythingit was, and that she bought it there. I pulled up the picture of the package she sent on my phone and told him.
He came home with it, just for me. I know its just for me because hes not that fond of crunchy nuts and seeds in his bread.
2. He did the laundry
Yep. The laundry. He loaded up the undies firstwe were running low. Gotta have clean undies. Then the towels. He even folded them and put them away. Such an act has an almost instant healing effect on me. He dried them with dryer sheets that sent forth whiffs of heavenliness with each caress of the item. What a guy!
3. He took my calls
He knew I didnt feel like having a conversation with anyone, especially a troubled soul. He protected me. He handled the calls, soothed the needy ones, and let me rest. Ahhh. Now thats a gift.
4. He fixed my favorite homemade chicken noodle soup
As I lay there on the couch in the family room by the kitchen he would say, Now what do I do next? Then he would do it.
Step by step he chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and added the chicken and noodles with all the seasonings that make this soup so extraordinary. And voila! The soup became a reality. He brought it to me on a tray, and it tasted delicious. He was pleased, and so was I. He likes it, too.
5. He told me I was beautiful
Now thats a stretch. I checked to see if his pants were on fire. I had seen myself in the mirror and became well aware of what a really bad hair day/week I was having. Thanks goodness I touched up my pale face with a bit of lip stick. It must have done wonders. His words made me feel...well, maybe not beautiful, but definitely less ugly.
6. He gave me hugs
Hugs are the real healers. His body warmth warms mine. Then he whispers things like I love you, and I wish I could make you all better. He pampers my heart with his tender words and loving caresses. They are magic.
7. He prayed for me
Not general prayers. Specific ones. Things like, bless my wife to sleep well tonight, and help her feel strength returning to her body.
He gives God something specific to work on. He reminds me of the Bible verse, James 4:2: Ye have not, because ye ask not. So he asks, in my behalf, and I feel encircled in his and Gods love.
Im certain hes not the only man who shows this kind of loving care to his wife. I have seen the elderly man across the street tenderly caring for his wife who is failing with Alzheimers. I see another man down the street taking out the trash, and another who is driving his wife to her doctors appointment. I see good deeds from men all over the place. But the only one I can truly testify of is my guy.
To him I say, Honey, if youre reading this article, please know that I appreciate all you do for me. I love you. You are my hero.
Now Im going to try to be his when he needs me.