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Quarantine Day 8

Up until this point symptoms were kind of extremely mild in everyone. Yesterday we had two more positive tests amongst the family so that was another blow to the emotional side of fighting covid. So far everyone still has mild symptoms but now it’s really starting to feel like our bodies are fighting an illness. I must’ve slept for 12 hours last night alone and have been in bed most of today. My body is extremely achey as well which could be from being in bed for so long or covid. I’ve also been congested and have been for about 3 days now. The first two days I was sneezing a lot but now it’s just a congestion. The 8 year old is still her regular self minus a cough every two hours or so which she claims is not a cough but a clearing of her throat. LOL. My mom as of last night has started to feel a little shortness of breath so she’s also trying to take it easy. She still has the back pain which isn’t as bad as it was days 3-5. The first positive person ended up back in the ER the night of day 6 due to ongoing coughs which prevented him from being able to breathe. We’ve since learned that he has covid pneumonia so we’re worried but trying to not worry too much because we don’t want to hinder our own recoveries. He says the hospital conditions are tough.. he hasn’t showered in a few days and there’s no hot water on the hospital ward. I’m not sure how there’s no hot water but obviously that may not be the hospital’s number one priority at this time.

I figured by now we’d be feeling a little better considering we all coasted through the first week of quarantining but I may be wrong. I have a feeling the last two positive cases were positive the time I tested but a nurse refused to test them and I stand firm in my argument that she was wrong for that. They work amongst children and other teachers and I’m not sure why they wouldn’t want to confirm a case so others can be made aware of exposure. Especially because the children they work with are children of doctors and nurses and those who work in the major hospital in our area.

In times like these I understand not wanting to waste a test but I think those who work with our health care workers should get testing no matter how minimal the exposure because there’s such a trickle down effect if they’re positive. If one of the last two positives didn’t start experiencing loss of smell they would’ve continued to take that nurse’s advice and gone to work as instructed and gone about their lives. One of them has severe asthma so I’m praying that their symptoms are not more severe than what I’m feeling.

Praying that things start to look up over the next few days. Trying to stay hydrated, trying to force food down although there’s 0 appetite at times. It’s weird because that comes in waves. Sometimes I’ll be hungry and other times there’s just no desire for food. I’ve noticed the same with my mom. The 8 year old not so much we had family drop off Christmas goodies and she’s eating as long as we put food before her.

Thankful it’s not more severe. Thankful no one else is hospitalized. Thankful for those praying and reaching out and doing all they can to support us through this tough time.

Posted on by V

Quarantine Update

It’s day four and we’re still waiting for test results but there are some clear signs of covid. Yesterday my back was on fire. The same with my mom, today she can barely move. I think despite the aches and pains I’m feeling my main concern isn’t myself but her. I find that I’ve been more anxious when I hear a cough or hear her trying to move from one place to another. If I could bare the symptoms for her I would. I worry because no one knows what to expect.

I’ve also become increasingly angry with family who haven’t reached out yet but know the severity of this virus. What are they waiting for? For someone to be intubated before calling to see how we’re doing? Or to say how they’re thinking of us? I think in these times we need the support of our loved ones more than anything and in what can be the darkest time of our lives we need to know that there are others putting positive vibes out there for us. We need to know that there is a support system we can fall back on when we feel discouraged.

I think when people know what you’re going through and they choose to not reach out those aren’t people we need in our circle. I think one good thing that will come out of this quarantine experience is learning who our true family and friends are. The ones who check in periodically and the ones who offer to help in anyway possible. Hold those people close and take note of those who can’t be bothered.

I understand that this year has been very trying for everyone but if you know you have family exposed or quarantining the least you can do is send your love. It’s the little things that matter the most in these times and that’s all we need to keep a positive attitude.

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Covid-19

Friday I got a call that made my stomach drop. A close relative that I’ve been in contact with tested positive for covid. Several members of my family had to get tested this weekend now we’re all on day two of our quarantine. As we wait for the results of our tests to come back the most nerve-racking part is not knowing what’s going to happen as these days go on.

Initially I felt angry and scared. Scared because I’m at a point where I don’t know what about covid is a fact or a piece of information exploited by politics. Scared because my grandparents were potentially exposed. Scared because an 8 year old was exposed. Scared because it meant my life was now at a standstill. Every plan I had for the holiday is now out the window as my quarantine period will not end until after the new year.

Now it’s a waiting game even if our results are negative it doesn’t mean symptoms cannot be developed between the time of exposure and the 14 days. We aren’t sure how it was contracted but all I know is it’s a whole different ball game when covid is in your own household.

Nevertheless, I’m thankful no one else is experiencing symptoms at this time although we are all anxious and stressed. I pray for health and strength. I pray that these 14 days end quickly. Continue to be vigilant always.

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Thanksgiving 2020

This Thanksgiving was definitely different than other years. Although we were in a smaller setting with immediate family only I’m still thankful I was able to enjoy a meal with my loved ones. I’m thankful that no one I care about has been affected by Covid. Many people are grieving the loss of a loved one this Thanksgiving or can’t even be with family at all due to Covid. I’m grateful for all the lessons learned so far this year and for health, strength, and a work from home contract. My work from home contract was extended until July 2021 and throughout this entire pandemic I didn’t have to worry about job security at all and that is a huge blessing. I’m thankful that I’ve been put in a position to extend help to those who need it whether that’s emotionally, financially or physically. Hope y’all had a good holiday despite the circumstances.

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Election 2020

Today has been nerve racking. My anxiety has been through the roof so I’m hoping for the best. I hope that no matter what the results of this historic election comes out to be that there will be less chaos in America. That’s really all I want. Less chaos and a country that feels safe for you and me. At this rate I’m hoping to fall asleep soon since we definitely won’t know who won tonight. Let’s see how President Trump handles that.

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Graduate

After a few long years I’ve finally completed my degree. It feels surreal, the last few years of my life were consumed by school and now I don’t have that pressure moving forward. I’m not sure what I’ll do with all this new free time but I’m proud to be done with this journey. Here at the end I felt drained in every aspect but I’m glad I was able to push through and finish with a 3.89 GPA. Also glad I trusted my journey and went at my own pace. This accomplishment means so much.

Time to channel my focus on losing the Rona 15. Staying fit wasn’t my main priority but now I have time to work out😅

Here’s to new adventures🥂

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Breonna Taylor

Today has been emotionally exhausting. The longer the cries for justice go on the deeper the pit in our stomachs become. Terrifying isn’t the word to describe what this country is becoming.

As much as I want to find the words to describe how I’m feeling I just can’t. We always knew the odds of justice were slim but facing the harsh reality is still no easier.

$12 million dollars cannot bring a loved one back from the dead and $12 million dollars cannot justify not charging those responsible for an innocent’s death.

Black lives will always matter. Fairness and equality will always be demanded.

Spread peace. Spread love. Stay safe.

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“Good friend“

Something unexpected happened a few days ago.. they say be careful what you wish for because you just might get it all. I received a phone call one afternoon and everything changed. Suddenly there was no awkwardness and walking on egg shells. It’s crazy how easy it is to reconnect with someone you genuinely connected with before when both people are open to it.

They also say old habits die hard and while I’ve grown up a lot in the last 5 years somethings are just instinct. Caring is an instinct in this case. Empathy is an instinct at this point as well. That’s all there is to it.

In a way, I’m glad that people I haven’t talked to in years feel that they can come to me at anytime when they need solid advice though. It’s flattering really if you think about it. In someone’s darkest time I’m the person they think can help bring some clarity to their situation. Humbling.

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Malcolm

Tiny Desk 2018

September 7th, it’s absolutely crazy that Mac has been gone for two years already today. His death is one of the few celebrity deaths that has had an impact on my outlook on life. Mac Miller’s music has inspired so much in my own life.. this blog being one of them. There’s a Mac song or album for every season. I’m still in awe when I think about the transformation he was going through at the time of his passing. If his life wasn’t cut short I know things would’ve turned out alright for him despite all the demons he carried. I’m thankful for what he gifted the world with during his short life.

Continue to rest eternally, Malcolm.

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Happiness

Happiness may have a dictionary definition but what defines happiness ultimately varies individually. Happiness for some can be playing or watching a sport, it can be shopping for another, it can be eating certain foods, it can be visiting specific parts of the world, it can be receiving compliments, it can be having specific people in your atmosphere. The list goes on as happiness is one of those things that we can say is infinite.

For me happiness is feeling a sense of security. Happiness is being understood and in sync with my surroundings. For me happiness is simplicity.

What’s happiness for you?