Men have larger muscles, so they can physically lift heavier stuff.
But that's where it ends.
When I get a cold, I lie in bed for two days taking enough cold medication to effectively knock me until I start to feel better. The virus runs through my body while I lie in a comatose state. Life continues to swirl around me. The kids still need to be cared for. But I lie in wait for a better day.
My wife gets a cold and her voice changes. She gets up in the morning, puts on her best smile and gets to work. She may whimper a bit but she goes about her business like nothing is wrong. I always admired her for that.
This week, I did something to my back. I can't sleep. I can't walk for too long. I can barely stand up. It hurts all the time. And the wimp in me has emerged like a pro.
At first, like any cramp or pain, I sloughed it off. It will just go away I thought.
But it didn't.
It got worse.
Today is the eighth day of pain. And I'm useless. Stuck between a heating pad and medication, I can't do much. I can't sleep without taking melatonin. I can't walk without advil. I can't help with the kids. I can't work or play. Life is seemingly over.
My life is in limbo as I deal with this pain and wait for an appointment with a chiropractor.
My wife has had back pain like this for years. Although in pain, she doesn't stop. She doesn't slide silently into the TV room like an old dog looking for death. She goes about her day in pain, slipping on the beautiful smile I fell in love with.
And I don't know how she does it.
I believe God made women bear children because the species would not have survived if it were a man's responsibility.
Men might be stronger with lifting heavy items. But we can't bear the same pain as women.
Today, I thank all those women in my life who are so strong.
I don't know how you do it, but I'm grateful.
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