Observations from the sickbed

A couple of days ago, I tore a muscle in my leg really badly and have been bedridden for most of this week. This interrupted my usual speed of life, but it also provided me with some unexpected time to observe and reflect. I suddenly was more aware of the little favors of life.

When I waited in the ER for a couple of hours, I was entertained by some friends who sent me texts, jokes and good thoughts. We had planned to go out that night; instead, they bought food and cooked dinner over at my place for me.
When I went back to work way too early (and in a lot of pain), friends looked out for me and sent me back home to get well properly. They called or texted to check in on me and cheer me up.
When a package arrived, I mustered up my strength to walk down all the five floors to collect it, but when I opened the door, I realized that a neighbor had already carried it all the way up to my apartment – they didn’t even know I was sick this week.
When I hobbled to the grocery store in the middle of the day to avoid the busy hours with my handicap, an elderly man walks up to me in the coffee aisle. He doesn’t speak German or English, but with a bit of Italian and sign language I figure out that he needs help with buying the correct coffee for his wife. Together we “discuss” the various options and have a laugh over it.
When I suddenly had time to read in the morning with a cup of the, the most beautiful sunshine lights up my little reading nook.

Little favors that lit up my life. They made this week so much better than anticipated, despite my injury I was connected to the kindness of friends and strangers. I have received favors, and I want to pass them on to others. It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day and remind us all of our shared humanity – a simple but fundamental truth in turbulent times such as these.

What kind of favors have you received this week? What can you pass on to others?

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Writing for Five Minute Friday today.