Gratitude in Illness

Being sick feels terrible. Obviously, you don’t need me to tell you that. You’ve lived that experience, I’m sure. But it also carries with it a certain humbling quality.

In sickness, you appreciate health so much more. You realise how easy you have things. How blessed you truly are.

Over the past 24hrs, Mary has had a rough time battling suspected food poisoning. For whatever reason, so far, I’ve come out unscathed. Normally, the slight stomach discomfort I feel would annoy me. Today, it feels incredible. How lucky.

Likewise, how considerate for illness to strike when we’re only a day into our five-day rest stop in Yangshuo. Outside, nothing but lush foliage, soaked with rain, and surrounded by mist-topped mountains. It didn’t strike while we were on a flight, or halfway through a hike. We’re staying in a beautiful place, with nothing but time.