Flexibility, hopefulness & Danish life
With a side of illness & a misbehaving bicycle
Happy Tuesday my friends.
To my fellow Canadians, I hope you too found a quiet moment to observe Remembrance Day yesterday. Lest we forget. I may reside in Denmark, but I will always be a proud Canadian first and foremost. We stand on guard for thee.
Last week flew by in a blur of friends, language classes & toddlerisms. Which was then abruptly turned upside-down with an unwelcome stomach bug. Our son was first up…and I followed just two days later. There’s truly no way to prepare yourself for what you know is inevitably coming. If you’re a parent, especially a Mum, 9 times out of 10 you too will have the honour of enjoying this week’s special illness.
I wish I was joking when I said “this week’s special illness” but the memes are true. If your child goes to Vuggestue, daycare or any shared space…they too will bring an illness home. It’s the flavour of the week. Always keeps you guessing. Green snotty nose? Oh joy. Mysterious cough? Hmm. Runny eyes? Eeek. Strange bumps/rash? Oh yes, it’s a wild ride. Climb aboard.
The bug hit late on Monday night with the sounds of our son losing what was left in his system. I had visions of cat owners jumping out of bed as they hear their beloved felines threatening to cough up on the carpet. That was us, but with a toddler in his own bed, who refused to aim for the dreaded sick bucket. Hope you enjoyed that visual. If we’re not laughing, we’re crying right?
Between the sick, disinfectant, and many loads of laundry (thank goodness for a washer AND a dryer) we enjoyed snuggles and lots of rest. Grateful for the warmth and comfort of our apartment. Somehow the toddler bounced back within no time and I needed a full 24 hours to become a useful reliable human again.
So, here we are, back in good(ish) shape.
I’m left reflecting on the necessary flexibility that is parenthood. There’s the old saying “best laid-plans” and I used to think I was just a hopelessly hopeful person, but I’ve come to realize this is a strength. In the midst of chaos, illness and difficulty, if you can find a glimmer of hope to push through it makes a world of difference to your mind, body and soul. And I feel this skill becomes heightened once you bring life into the world.
Right as you re-set, make new plans and prep for a brand-new day/week/month…life will always go awry. And it’s ok. It can sure suck sometimes, it can challenge you in ways you never knew, but it’s ok. Pivot, adjust, stand tall and set a new course. Ever hopeful it will turn out ok. And ask for help if you need it.
As someone who craves structure and thrives on routines, this flexibility and hopefulness has spread like a web throughout my daily life and in the way that I try to approach challenging situations. Last week (between the sick days) I encountered a very Danish problem. I had just enjoyed a lovely dinner with fellow friends at a restaurant in an area of Copenhagen called Islands Brygge. A small group of us walked out to collect our bikes and cycle home. A gang of Mom’s out beyond our bedtimes, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Here I was, with a bike lock that absolutely refused to open. It was well and truly stuck. Now what?
We all took turns attempting to coax the lock into submission. No luck. I asked the restaurant owner for assistance and he very kindly came out to give it a try. If a Dane can’t fix an issue with a bike, then what are we left with? He too wrestled with it, straddling the bike like a misbehaving foal. Again, no luck. We brainstormed ideas before he gave it one last try… and low and behold, the darn thing finally gave way. Hallelujah. Sweet relief. I certainly thanked my lucky stars and may have given him a huge hug.
After this new Copenhagen card was unlocked (bingo card stamped?) I was left with the lingering reminder, once again, to remain flexible, not give up hope and to ask for help when you need it.
Also, find yourself a Dane when faced with a misbehaving bicycle. Enough said.
I may have dropped Lille Blå off to the local bike shop the next day…for a new lock. She demanded an upgrade and I wasn’t about to take my chances again. She’s a workhorse and I deeply respect her wishes. Plus, I need her.
Have a great week my friends. Much love.