Our bodies do this amazing task automatically. And for the most part we don't give it a second thought. That is, until those stupid viruses bite us in the butt, or the nose, so to speak.

A nasty cold snuck up on me this week. At night, my head lays on top mountainous pillows and I will soon be able to pass as a relative of Rudolph.

Don't get me wrong, I can handle a little snot here and there, but when my left nostril is completely out of commission, I would give anything to breathe normally again.

My head feels overly inflated, and I'm not talking about my alter ego. The pressure seems to rhythmically throb.

I've got my routine down. I blow my nose, toss the tissue into the trash and grab the hand sanitizer. About ten minutes later, I'll repeat the process.

They say we don't appreciate what we have until it is gone. This couldn't be any more true than when it comes to breathing. I now live for those little moments of nasal clarity, like when I first step out of the steamy shower.

I realize in my moment of sickness how important it is to cherish every breath because I may not be able to breathe tomorrow. Now, if I could only remember that when I'm not all congested.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.