I Caught a Cold!

20 I Caught a Cold! I caught a cold. It was really a bad cold. Actually, the doctor later told me that I had the flu. My head was pounding. My throat was hurting. My body was aching. My voice became hoarse and I could hardly speak. I never experienced anything like this before. Worst of all, my sore throat was so severe that I couldn't even swallow! I knew I should drink more fluids-water, soup or juice -and maybe take some medicine. But I couldn't. Each time I tried to swallow, it hurt so much. So my dad took me to the hospital emergency room. A doctor came in. He checked my throat. He then checked my lungs. After his examination, he said, " Nothing to worry about. You have the flu. " “ Why is it so severe?" I asked. " Can you prescribe me some medicine so that I don't suffer as much?"

" No, " the doctor said. “ No medicine can cure your flu. Don't be sad. Your body is an amazing thing. It will cure itself without any help. " “ What? My body will fix things on its own?" I exclaimed in disbelief. “ Yes, your body's immune system will fight the virus for you. No doctor or medicine will cure you, " repeated the doctor. My tears rushed out. I had not realized this in the past. Everything had always seemed so natural. I've gulped down my meals every day for almost thirteen years. I drink water like taking a breath-without thinking about it at all. Now, I understand that even a simple thing like swallowing is like a miracle. The muscles and organs in my body do their jobs amazingly well-and yet quietly, without me even noticing. I don't remember how many days it took me to heal, but I do remember what my father told me. He said that we should all appreciate our bodies and the miracle of how they are built.