Did you ever notice how kids can have a cold for two days and you have it for two weeks?

 

It's just one of the many gifts our children give us, other than gray hair and a lesson in the true meaning of pain.

 
Why am I talking about illness?  Ummm, I'm in the midst of it at the moment.  Yes, my darling Katie was so kind as to share her latest cold with me.
 
I've decided to write down the 10 steps of illness:
 
1.  Awareness.  You notice something may be wrong, as in, "Hmm, my throat's a little tickly."
 
2.  Denial, "No, I'm fine."
 
3.  Fear, "Oh, God, NOOOOOOOOOOO!"
 
4.  Acceptance, "This is soooooooo inconvenient."
 
5.  Bitterness, "I can't afford this!"
 
6.  Weakess, "I think I'll just lie here on the couch for a moment."
 
7.  Martyrdom, "Nobody has ever been as sick as I am.  I'm going to die right here on the couch,  I just know I am."
 
8.  Pity Party, "And nobody cares!  I'll die, and nobody will notice. I think I'll call the bait shop for a fresh delivery of worms."
 
9.  Stench, "The entire room is stuffy, and even the cat is avoiding me."
 
10.  Enjoyment, "I think I'll watch one more TV show."
 
About the time you start enjoying yourself lying there on the couch, you're on the way to recovery and need to get your butt up and among the living again.
 
Presently, I find myself hovering between steps 7 and 8.
 
Go talk amongst yourselves.  I'll make it to stage 10 before you know it.