The joy of misdiagnosis

After taking medication under the assumption I had shingles, it turns out I never had it. I could not be more relieved. My body was certainly in need of rest. I could’ve done with a day or two in bed weeks ago, and saved myself a trip to the doctor on a Saturday, feeling as though I’d been hit by a truck.

But as with all life experience, nothing is ever wasted. I have gained clarity on two things: that I could stand to listen more closely to my body when it tells me I need rest and actually follow through, and that I am surrounded by a strong loving network of friends who were there to catch me when I fell.

When I moved to Melbourne six years ago, I didn’t know anyone. Now, there are people in my life who’ve become my second family. While I’ve been home recuperating this week, they’ve sent me messages and called me daily to check on me, dropped round supplies including extra titbits they thought may help (which have), offered to come round and feed me cake, opened their homes to me with the offer of looking after me to make sure I actually rest and not get distracted by doing things round the house (how well you know me), and driven me to the doctor when I didn’t feel good to go alone.

Joy fills my heart to overflowing for these darling people. Thank you friend-family! I want to dance with you all in a great big circle of joy!

The small blue card says, ‘Thank you for being lovely.’ Fitzroy, December 2019.