Solstice & a public service announcement

life can be peculiar but precious

The winter solstice is absolutely one of the best days of the year because it means the days lengthening for six months. I crave the lingering hours of light so knowing that we have done our duty with diminishing brightness for a while is great news.

The earth’s shift coincides with the season of joy, celebration, hugs, and reflection on another year. It’s hard for many suffering depression or loss so it’s appropriate to offer gentle support to those needing your attention. But, much of it this coming week is laughter and good tidings. In sum, it’s a time of seeing—literally or virtually—those we care about and/or haven’t seen recently enough as appreciate our lives.

I especially understand not taking those celebrations for granted as I found out yesterday I have shingles. It started Tuesday but I now have the panoply of aches, nausea, burning sensation, sharp pain, etc. that Dr. Google lists. Oh, and I did see a dermatologist who confirmed this shocker.

I had three shingles shots over the past decade so don’t assume I am an anti-vaxxer. I first heard sixty years ago how painful an illness shingles is so I did everything I could to avoid it. The MD merely shrugged when I implored her to explain how this happened.

It did. Life doesn’t always come with ease or explanations that satisfy or wind back reality.

I raise this, however, not for sympathy because it created consequences I wouldn’t have considered at this time of the year. It means we had to cancel a visit with my step sister-in-law because shingles is dangerous for folks of an ah-hem certain age; I can’t hug my husband for the same reason. Nor can I be around babies under a year old, either, as they are too young for immunization. Most of us reading this have family, friends, and children in both those “compromised” groups so take note.

It’s not a chronic problem. It will pass, albeit perhaps uncomfortably, but it’s merely awkward, disappointing, and frustrating to have it at a season of joy, hope, and celebration. I have never been ill at this time so I today appreciate how foolish I was to assume it would always be that way. The worst of it seems the burning sensation but that too will be temporary, if annoying. At least I am so lethargic I don’t put feel so put out I can’t visit people.

Indeed, like far more things than I generally want to admit, the greatest asset will be time which ought help a great deal.

But, it’s life. I am truly more aware of the anticipation of seeing folks from a bit more of a distance than usual. I am relieved to know the burning pain will end because medicines, unavailable only a few years back, improve things and I can access them. The greatest medicine, probably, will be time. I am privileged and so thankful to live, retired, in a society where I got the vaccine making this likely a manageable case than the full flown experience so many suffered before vaccines.

So, take nothing for granted. Yule celebrations under the Vikings were wild so go for it, regardless where you are.

Tomorrow is a longer day. WOO HOO!!

Thank you for reading Actions today. I welcome your thoughts. I appreciate your time.

Life is so precious. Be well and be safe. FIN