Looking back as COVID-19 anniversary approaches
On March 16, 2020, I started a Virus Diary blog. Imagine, that was three years ago! I decided to revisit that first entry to see what I said and if I would change anything knowing what I know now.
Here is what I wrote:
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020
After listening to our Prime Minister yesterday (Sunday), I decided that I would stay at home starting today.
This is not a complete hardship for me these days. I am 79 and, therefore, in a high-risk group. I have, as they say, preexisting heart issues. All is under control with meds, so I am fine. The last appointment with the cardiac guy was re-assuring — he said my heart was good even after a stent a number of years ago and a recent atrial fibrillation diagnosis. My mobility is rather ghastly — legs don't work as well as they should.
You should know that every conversation with an “older” person either starts or ends with the health report! And then somewhere in there is the weather report!
I am worried about my relatives and friends who go to the warmer climes in the winter. My sister, my sister-in-law and my good friend all are in or were in Florida this winter. My friend is now across the border, and I will be talking to her soon once she's home here. Now that I am self-isolating, I won't actually see her for a while (who knows how long this will last). My sister-in-law is due to fly home on Thursday — thank goodness! Flights are being cancelled and borders are being more stringent. I have not heard when my sister is coming home but I hope it's soon. I saw this morning that some insurance companies won't cover anything out-of-country after March 23. What a lousy bunch! Stronger language comes to mind.
I am retired. I do volunteer work these days. I can do computer work from home. I can catch up on The Family Tree. I can write countless emails and annoy every relative and friend I have — be prepared. I can post stuff on Facebook. I can continue to refile correspondence .jpgs. I can cull ephotos. I can watch TV. I can watch movies on Netflix. There are green things coming up in the garden which I may have to shuffle outside to see. And I can call my excellent friends to see how they are doing.
Speaking of friends — I had four calls in less than 24 hours from dear souls who wanted to know if they could pick up anything or do anything. I love them all! And I know that “love” is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days but this time, I really mean it!
ONWARD
And now we are three years away. I have had every shot they are willing to give me. I still have a mask in my jacket pocket just in case. I still don’t go out much.
However, I am still sending emails, having phone calls, posting stuff on Facebook and so far, have not been attacked by the virus.
Onward indeed.