A TIME TO BE GRATEFUL

I took this selfie one year ago today in my doctor's waiting room. 
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Three days earlier while leaving church, I went to greet a sister when she said, "Don't hug me, I'm getting over something." In protest, I countered with, "Aww, come on Sis, it's okay, gimme a hug!" I should have listened to her, but as they say, "Hindsight is 20/20."

​Twelve hours later, in the middle of the night, I was suddenly stricken with a dry hacking cough, a severe migraine, body aches, and a very high fever.

After feeling twice as bad the following night, that Wednesday morning, January 29th, I called my doctor and was given a 3:00 pm emergency appointment.  When I arrived, I noticed that there were signs everywhere stating that if you have a fever, ask for a mask.  When I told the receptionist my symptoms, she handed me a mask and asked me if I had been to China in past three weeks. I responded, "Unfortunately, no." (I've always wanted to go to China. Still do.)

I tested negative for the flu and strep throat (no other tests were being administered at the time). My doctor said I had a "viral infection" and that no antibiotics could be prescribed. He told me to “go home and let it run its course.” Go home? Let it run its course? Not only did I feel absolutely horrible, I was terrified. All of the symptoms lasted for a week, except for the cough, which remains to this day. 

As the weeks and months passed by and the stay-at-home orders were put in place, the world (well, most of it) adapted to a new normal. I don't know if I had the coronavirus or not (apparently I'm now ineligible for the antibodies test), but with each Covid19 news briefing, as I prayed (and still pray) for the patients, their families, and those on the front lines, I am always reminded that, “There but for the grace of God, go I.” 

Poetricia Publishing © 2021

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