Window Watching: Finding Solace in the Simple Things

Ah, the weekend weather! As the freezing temperatures descend upon us, many of us are content to "bunker down" at home, snuggled up with a cup of hot cocoa and our favorite blanket. It's moments like these that often transport me back to a time when I found solace in the most unexpected of places – the hospital room window.

Spending weeks at a time in a hospital room can be a daunting experience. During those long hours, I became well-acquainted with the art of "window watching." With iPods still in their infancy and screen time not quite a viable option, I had to get creative to pass the time. Reading was a noble endeavor, but sleep deprivation had other plans for my focus.

So, what's a person to do when they find themselves in this situation? I turned to the world outside my hospital window. I became a self-proclaimed expert in car-spotting. Counting cars by their color and brand became a sort of personal challenge. The hospital parking lot turned into a giant puzzle, and I watched in amusement as drivers circled around in search of that elusive parking spot. It was like a real-life game of musical chairs.

As the days turned into weeks, I realized that I needed a little more than just cars and parking lot puzzles to keep my spirits up. That's when I decided to get creative. Armed with window markers, I embarked on a mission to add a touch of whimsy to my sterile hospital room window. Star Wars characters became my son's window companions, greeting us each morning with a cheerful nod.

But window watching wasn't just about passing the time. It was a reminder that life was continuing outside those hospital walls. The world was still turning, people were going about their daily routines, and there was a whole universe out there waiting for us to rejoin it.

In the midst of challenging circumstances, it's often the simplest things that can bring us comfort and distraction. The time spent "window watching" in that hospital room taught me that even in the most trying moments, there are ways to find solace and even a bit of joy. So, the next time you find yourself stuck indoors due to freezing temperatures, take a moment to look out the window. Who knows what little wonders you might discover in the world passing by.