The past month has not been a fun one for me. A bad fall left me with a concussion and other injuries. I had my first-ever hospitalization and drew on medical services from a range of providers across the region south-west of Paris. Friends, family and colleagues lent their support, while nature also chipped in some entertainment.

Access to health care – mending a concussion

The experience gave me a first-hand look at emergency health care in France and really reinforced my appreciation for the social protection available to me. I had ready access to quality medical care. My employer was extremely helpful in providing moral support, sick leave and insurance coverage. In addition to all the care provided by my dear spouse, friends and colleagues checked in on me and helped me to maintain a positive attitude despite the slow pace of recovery. While I was able to do a little work from home, I am grateful that the system encouraged me to focus first of all on my health.

Support from nature

Male Siskin in full spring courtship plumage
(c) Martin Pateman, Schutterstock

Meanwhile, nature was also doing its part to give me a boost. This week a new type of bird put in several appearances by our feeder: the siskin (in French: tarin des aulnes). They arrived in little flocks of 6 or 8, sporting striking spring plumage and spreading out to comb the ground in search of seed. At the same time, our various chickadees — especially the blue ones (mésanges bleues) — happily accommodated the siskins. The chickadees rooted through the food offered at the feeder, searching for peanuts and casting other seeds overboard in the process. Like manna from heaven, the siskins were bombarded with all sorts of goodies from the feeder, which helped to top off the ground-level food supply already available in our organic garden.

Complementary activities

This little show of nature complemented the other care and support that I’ve received in recent weeks. Taking place outside our dining room window, it boosted the morale of residents and visitors alike, and left me smiling. One more thing for which I am grateful!