Be Smart Like An Animal

October 13, 2009

bears_sleeping“It will be weird going back to school tomorrow,” my son Josh told me yesterday. A bloody miracle more like – he only just got out of hospital yesterday, after being knocked off his bicycle by a bus.

I know he’s getting tired of hearing all the one liners like, “You’re supposed to get on the bus through the door.” And, “Didn’t you know you’re not allowed to take your bicycle on the bus.” But the doctor said it will be six weeks to six months until he’s well enough to go back to school.

If you’ve ever recovered from a traumatic accident, you’ll know how difficult it is. Your animal instinct tells you to rest but your human stupidity is saying, “get off your ass and party – you’re lucky to be alive.”

I know we’re supposed to be the superior race but when it comes to recovering from illness, animals are smarter. They just curl up and sleep, for as long as it takes to get well.

Sixteen years ago, I persuaded the hospital to release me before Christmas, to avoid the rubber turkey. And I promised that I would stay in bed and get plenty of rest but I had my fingers crossed behind my back.

Yes, I felt like shit – but I thought if I acted well and positive, I would make a fast recovery. And of course I would be back at work at the start of the new year; why wouldn’t I be? But all the running round and pretending my head didn’t feel like I’d been hit with a mallet just made me feel worse and worse. My wound got infected and it took a long long time to heal.

So, I know Josh thinks it’s great to be alive – I just want to make sure he’s going to take things slowly, so he feels well enough to enjoy it. And if you find yourself in the same situation – be smart, like an animal and get plenty of rest.

Image Credit: Photos8.com

Related Reading On This Site

Is God Bigger Than A Bus?
Sometimes It Doesn’t Seem Right To Write
Who Wants To Live Forever?

Posted by cathlawson | Filed Under Misc | 29 Comments 

Next Page »