CARE

Often, we find ourselves worrying and thinking, “Oh no, my child is sick, or I can see it coming.” The fear of falling ill is a natural part of being a parent. What astonishes both me and my daughters is the incredible power and resilience of our bodies in fighting viruses and bacteria. When my daughter expressed her fear of getting sick, I realised that she had picked it up from me and decided to make a conscious effort to change my perspective on illness.

What could we learn from sickness? I took it as an opportunity to listen to my body. What do I feel when one of my daughters is in pain and where do I feel it? This exercise helps me to come back to the present moment and understand I am not as bad as my brain is telling me. It is also an opportunity to think about the concept of care. According to the dictionary, “care” can be defined as providing attention, support, and assistance to ensure the well-being, safety, and satisfaction of someone or something. It involves being considerate, compassionate, and responsible in meeting their needs.

In critical situations, we can feel overwhelmed and stressed, unsure of what to do. I realised that by simply becoming aware of my own body and understanding my own feelings, I could better focus on the essence of care, which is compassion. When my daughter was lying on the floor, feeling sick, and I knew we did everything we could do (medicines, healthy drinks, sleep) what remained is being present. Being present by holding her little hands, whispering soft words, and witnessing the power of care.

These situations also instil humility within me. They remind me of the delicate balance between fragility and strength that life presents. They reinforce the importance of being there for one another. When our children fall ill, it becomes an opportunity to appreciate the power of conversations, to recognise why we should take good care of our own bodies, and to experience the beauty of being with someone who cares for us or whom we care for.