Health Is Wealth

About a month ago, I was in Macy's buying a shower gift. Next to me was an elderly woman completing her purchase at the other register. I'm not sure what she and the salesperson were discussing exactly, something about winning money or saving money. And as she walked away from the counter, she turned to the saleswoman and said "Health is wealth." Now I'm sure I've heard this before but it was something about how she said it. Like it was a proclamation from a person who had the first hand wisdom and experience to make such an announcement. For whatever reason, it stuck with me. Little did I know, I would soon come to understand these words personally. About two weeks ago, I went to bed with a sore lower back. ( This is not unusual since I had recently learned that a slipped disc, from a fall in college, in my lower back was sitting on a sac of nerves and thus I was prone to some back pain.) Anyway, after a fitful night's sleep, I woke to probably the worse pain I have ever had in my life!!! My entire back ached like I had a painful charley horse! I couldn't walk, sit, and could barely breathe because ANY movement in my abdominal area resulted in excruciating pain. It was the first time I have felt PANIC when it came to my health. After going to the doctor, taking lots of pain meds, and lying flat on my back for about a week; I slowly became aware of the words from that random Macy's customer. I remember thinking...what if I can't work anymore? what if I have to collect disability? what if I can't have children? and on and on my mind began to race. Although I NEVER want to feel that way again, this experience did help me realize how much I take for granted. Instead of wishing for that bigger house, better car, designer shoes, etc... I am just counting my blessings that I am alive and healthy to greet each new day. Knowing that a day without pain can make me feel like I have a million bucks! Health is truly wealth!