Sep 3, 2002 3 min read

Unfortunately, we share. Our home in recent weeks could be compared to a tuberculin ward. Many of the sounds emanating from our domicile are those of hacking, coughing, etc. Why? Because my lovely wife and I have been ill.

I started the chain by contracting of all things pneumonia. It’s the first time in my life I have ever had it and I hope it’s the last. It came on quickly, beginning as a dry cough, and over the course of just a couple of days developed into high fever, severe coughing, body pains and a plethora of other miseries.

Thinking it was just a summer cold or reaction to going in and out of air conditioning during those 90-degree-plus days, I figured it would clear up in a few days. After almost a week of 102-plus temperature, I decided it was time to seek medical attention.

A trip to our family physician, a chest X-ray and blood work confirmed the diagnosis. I always thought pneumonia was something only older people contracted. Well, older than me.

The doctor prescribed two powerful antibiotics and some ghastly tasting cough medicine. In a couple of days the fever was gone and I was beginning to feel better. However, I am still weak, have less than normal stamina and continue with a persistent cough.

Unfortunately my wife must have taken in some of my bug. She, too, has suffered with a terrible cough, major lack of energy and an overall feeling of malaise that has made her miserable (not her personality – just her physical self).

This plague has interfered greatly with our normal routines.

I missed a week of work. Since I had a week’s vacation already scheduled, I used that time to recuperate more before returning to my desk. Even then, it was hard going.

Then there are the household chores one has to keep up with.

My wife struggled to do laundry, a little cooking and some cleaning.

Cutting the grass and taking out the garbage were major challenges for me.

We managed. I won’t say well, but adequately.

But one of the things that affected my attitude most was being unable to take our house canine for her daily walk.

We had gotten into a good routine, even during the blazing and humid days last month, of strolling around several of our neighborhood blocks each day. I noticed with each passing walk the path was getting easier. So, we had begun extending our strolls to include another block or two.

Pneumonia kicked that in the pants. Not only did I not have the energy to take a walk, when I finally did get back out it was all I could do to get around a short course before collapsing.

I feel sorry for my wife because now that the weather has finally dried and cooled, she is unable to enjoy her favorite pastime – working in the yard. We have some flowers that need planting, and some that need tending. I dare not attempt doing it. My thumbs are both dark brown.

I suppose we could just hole up until we recover completely. But who can do that? Even though our dog and two cats appear sympathetic to our plight, they have yet to offer to cook and clean. Of course, I’m not sure I’d like kibble or seafood delight.

On the other hand, it could be just the thing to straighten us out.

What do you think?

Have a good day.

Jim Pletcher is the Herald-Standard’s business editor. E-mail: jpletcher@heraldstandard.com.