Common Cold

So, some figure that just because I am a priest, I am immune to things like germs.  Not true. 

Case in point is this terrible winter head cold that struck on Friday and continues to rage.  The hardest thing is not being able to 'call in sick' for things like weekend Masses.  There just are not priests available to cover.  In fact, in our neighboring parish, where the pastor died unexpectedly last month, a retired priest was asked to fill in until a replacement could be found.  And considering retirement age is 75 years old, that is not a good thing.  Another priest friend of mine took sick last month and again a retired priest is filling in while the pastor convalesces. 

So, hopefully our guardian angels are working overtime looking over us priests, but when they take a break, it means we simply have to 'suck it up' and cross our fingers that our voices hold out for the duration.  Luckily I can cut back on desk work and non-essential meetings, and try to get some extra rest and the needed bathroom breaks from the quarts of hot tea and AirBorn and other liquids with which I hope to flush my system.

Being sick is never fun, and I pray daily for all who are seriously ill.  It is a difficult cross to bear.  My common cold reminds me how fortunate I am to have generally good health!