Lessons Learned…

For a second time, I am unable to publish the blog that was to be out last weekend. This past week has been a mess. I’ve been sicker than I’ve ever been, with COVID. Three days of the week are basically a blur as I was inundated by symptoms, especially fever and cough. So, this will be a relatively short blog and one that doesn’t relate to the house or retirement.

As a child, I didn’t get any of the regular childhood illnesses. I’ve never had measles, mumps, or chicken pox. In fact, I’m rarely sick. Occasionally I’ll get a bit of cold, or a touch of flu and I jokingly say I’m the worse patient. They never last long or are particularly nasty. I’ve always felt that it’s because I’ve had migraines for most of my life. I think maybe God felt that was enough for me. It’s actually a rather arrogant thought, as though I’m “above” getting a regular illness. This week has reminded me I’m as likely as anyone to come down with an infection.

I learned a few things this past week. As mentioned above, I’m not invincible. Now, if someone had asked me if I felt that I could get the virus I would have said I’m doing everything I can to avoid it. And for more than three years, I succeeded. While I’ve been honest about the fact I need to lose weight, I do take care of myself. I am active, get outside for fresh air, don’t spend a lot of time lying around, and make sure that I’m actively doing what needs to be done. I get the appropriate vaccinations (and honestly, it’s been made very clear to me that without those I could have landed in hospital) and follow the guidance of our medical officials.

My mom was very worried this week and I get that, as I am a mom as well. We can’t help it, it’s part of the makeup of a mother. We worry about our children. I don’t think there’s anything much scarier in the realm of motherhood than not being able to do anything to help our child. COVID isolates not only the person with the illness but those who want to help. Given that my mom is recovering from a different virus and has to take care of herself there was absolutely no way she could come and offer assistance. But being who she is, she reached out to her own network and had a good friend, a nurse, call and make sure I was doing all the right things. That’s equivalent to a warm hug.

I don’t think my own child understood how sick I’ve been. How can a person know if I don’t share? That was one of the things I said when I found out about my mom’s illness. It sure would be good to know when someone you love is that sick! So, I guess it’s on me to let my son know. Now that I’m starting to come out of this, I will remember in the future that if I need that support, I have to speak up. It’s an important lesson. People can’t give you the care that you want or need if you aren’t open with them.

I had a couple of friends who reached out daily to check in with me. I was surprised. After all, they are busy people with crazy workloads and families of their own. And yet, they took the time to send a message and wait for an answer. It meant the world to me. I don’t want to gush but in many ways, it kept me going.

I’ve spoken about my incredible neighbours and I’m going to again. Not only did I receive much needed supplies, there were regular check ins to make sure I was okay. If there is anything I need or want, I only have to ask. And then, on the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day, I heard a knock at my door. On the other side, was their child, mask on with a bouquet of flowers in hand. They felt bad for me – alone and sick on a special day. I nearly cried. Such a sweet thing to do!

Lessons Learned

-          I’m not invincible; no one is. Anyone can come down with an awful virus or illness or condition.

-          If you want someone to know how you are, tell them. People don’t read minds.

-          There is no one like your mom. No one else cares the way a mom does. Treasure your time together.

-          Remember the blessings of friends when you’re feeling well again.

Now that I’m starting to see improvements in how I’m feeling, I realize that this has been an opportunity. I think the most important things in life become clearer when we get sick. So many people have this happen when diagnosed with something terrible. I’ve been blessed with this realization after an illness that is relatively short-lived and on its way out.

There’s been no work on the house this week. Yesterday I managed my first walk outside and took this picture to share.