Delightful

Delightful is my word of the week. It is an adjective, and it means giving great pleasure or finding something or someone highly pleasing. I find delight in the constant customs of my life, like the first sight of my children’s face, the taste of condensed milk in my coffee, and the scent of Chris’ neck.

Finding delight was easy until things got hard – until an Endometriosis-flare-up sent me to Bay Medical Emergency Room. If I hadn’t shared my word of the week with my family, I would have dropped the word, delightful, like hot bread. Where are the delights in chronic pain, endometriosis, and the emergency room?

Last night when I laid in the hospital bed, scared and exhausted, I didn’t see anything delightful. I saw everything and everyone through tearful eyes. Today, however, as I lay on the couch I find that through searching I can delight in a few things. For one, I find delight in my husband’s love and patience towards me as I put my fist up to fight this disease. Last night his presence in the emergency room, and to all my doctor’s appointments, declare, “you’re not fighting this alone.” My nurse was motherly and sweet, my doctor was soft-spoken and pleasant. After clarifying that I had Endo, my ultrasound technician was gentle and apologetic. (So many people, even in the health care profession, lack the understanding of Endo).

I find delight in my everyday people and simple gestures. My oldest daughter came into my room this morning and guided my head to rest on her chest. She rubbed my hair so gently, I went back to sleep. This afternoon, my neighbor Barbara just happened to stop by to check on me. At the sight of my fatigued face, she asked, “what can I do to help?” As I waited for Barbara to bring us pizza for dinner, I found delight in my other daughter playing the piano. I delight in my nine-year-old son, who without prompt, have sliced me apples and pegged pineapples.

I find delight in myself.
Yes, you read that right.
A few months ago, when I could tolerate the pain, I handknitted a blanket for my hubby. Today, I’m delighted that despite living in chronic pain, I continue to show up in my life. I continue to nurture and teach my children, to love my sweet- scented husband, to invest time in my writing, and to nurture my creativity.