I don't know who originally coined the word "bug" as a description for feeling sick but it applies.

Most people aren't fond of bugs. I definitely don't find the insect world high on my list of what makes me smile and gives me pleasure. Sometimes bugs can be scary and being sick can sometimes be scary. There are bugs that seem able to outlast everything. It has been said that even after a nuclear disaster roaches will survive. Unfortunately, my "bug," the one that has me a bit weary and voiceless, seems to be a cousin of that durable bug.

BUT I am even more resilient and expect to be healthy by the weekend. I can't wait.

Before I leave the subject of bugs, I should mention that the classification includes some amazing, wonderful "bugs": Lady bugs are said to be lucky for the people they land on. Unfortunately, the poem that goes along with this pretty polka dot bug isn't so lucky for them. "Lady bug, lady bug fly away home. Your house I on fire and your children will burn." How horrible can you get?!?

Caterpillars are thought of in a negative way crawling around the garden. You don't hear about people planting "caterpillar gardens." After their cacoon is spun and they transform into a beautiful butterfly flying among the flowers people love them. Butterflies have become a symbol for the growth and metamorphous that happens when people go through a positive change.

Finally, there are bees. I am not sure when it started but it was a long, long time ago when my sons Tom and Jim were young. They started to sing, "Bringing Home A Baby Bumble Bee." It is a song that has always made me cringe and hold my ears. It has now turned into a tradition that has been passed down to my grandchildren to sing for me. In fact my grandson, Jake, sang it to me on my birthday instead of Happy Birthday. My grandchildren understand that I love they have an ornery streak and it makes me smile while I am cringing. That is probably why I am blessed that I get calls from Hope, Noah and Jake when they are doing something they know I wish I was there too. I loved it when Noah teased my loss of voice and asked me if I swallowed a squeaky toy, ornery and teasing is good. At one time or another each of them has sung that crazy song for me.

So much for the subject of bugs (smile)it is time for me to take some medicine and do my best to eradicate this stubborn bug from my system. Hopefully, these drugs will cause the bug to yell "Raid!" like they do on the commercial and leave.