rested

Sadly, our 'burst of good health' that I wrote about as we started the new year quickly turned into a dark cloud of illness for myself that lasted over a week. It was a time of mixed emotion and was humbling and empowering all at once. I do believe it was the first true rest I have had, possibly in years since my last baby was birthed. Lying in bed for hours, days even felt difficult at first and then slowly but surely became a less bitter pill to swallow.

One of the most exquisite joys during this time was seeing the love and care my children lavished on me during those days. They were truly worried to see me not carrying on in my usual sense. Sweet kisses and tissues were brought to my bedside. Extra chores were eagerly taken on. Little siblings were helped and read to my older more able ones. And I was even brought "breakfast in bed", albeit a bit late at 2 in the afternoon (which is when I woke one of the days)!

As awful as the illness was, my time spent convalescing was sweet and was like solid food for my mind, body and soul it seemed like years spent on an all-liquid. It really made me think of the difference between truly being rested and restored versus getting enough sleep and stillness to simply just 'get by'.

So much to contemplate!