Covid

It hit, and it hit hard.

You're healthy, fit, taking your vitamins, and you are strong. Most have a mild case, so you will, too. Until that's not the case.

These monitors were my life for the past few days. I stared at them constantly. I cried. I prayed. I was glad to be there during the night when the lights were off so the hospital staff and my loved one didn't see my red, watery eyes. 

And speaking of the night shift, this was my sleep wear. I didn't eat, drink, blow my nose, or remove any part of this protective equipment for 12 straight hours while in the room. 

When I left each morning, I went straight to a hotel to shower and put on fresh clothes. There was a park nearby and, although it was cold, it provided the perfect place to strech my legs. The fresh air did wonders for my own health, both mentally and physically.

The park led to a large pedestrian bridge that crossed the interstate. I had to check it out.

Quite breezy at the top, but neat!

After my walk, I picked up some stationary and gift cards for the hospital staff. The doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical techs have been awesome, providing the best care they can while respecting their patients' wishes. This team, and all workers in the Covid unit, put their lives on the line every day and risk carrying that exposure back to their own famlies. They are heroes. I don't think they are told that often enough, because when I would tell them thank you, they were so grateful. Many of their patients arrive with mistrust, and they have to work extra hard to prove their vow to "do no harm".

With this experience over the past few days, I wanted to be transparent about what it is like for loved ones going through this. We are leaving our own families behind to be by your side. We are taking precious vacation time to not just be with you, but also having to quarantine when we get home. We are risking our own health from the exposure. We endure the cost of last minute travel. And we suffer immense emotional stress by watching you fight for your life. 

I am not discounting the patient's experience and suffering at all. I just cannot imagine the pain they are going through when they have this and what it must be like. I am only reflecting on the caregiver's experience. And we would do it again in a heartbeat to be by your side. 

When you make decisions that affect your health, remember that those decisions also affect your loved ones.

Snow! And a Brewery

We wanted to get away for the long MLK weekend, but decided to cut it short with the winter storm. Our brief trip to NC included a little skiing, a steep climb to a church, the chocolate factory in Asheville, and several breweries. While I didn't take many pictures of our trip, I did capture this one of Eric in front of a massive and very elegant Sierra Navada Brewery.

The back of the place had a beautiful terrace and gardens. These are hops and greens. I thought the hops were brussel sprouts (dbl-click to zoom in).

Once the flurries started, we had our little one drive us back home. The roads were still fine, and it gave her practice with the visual flakes falling lighter than raindrops. We then hunkered down for what was to be the biggest snow storm on record for our area...5-8".

We wanted our youngest to see how it feels to drive in snow. Obviously the first lesson was NOT to drive in it. But if you had to, make sure you have a 4-wheel drive and go slow.

It took a while to clear the windshield, windows, and mirrors. You can see that the roads are packed snow and turning to ice. We just drove to the end of our street and back.

When safely back home, she and Eric went for a walk. So peaceful and quiet outside! We're grateful the power stayed on. 

Having the skiis still out from Saturday, we put them on to try our skills at cross-country skiing. The little one did great!

Me, not so much. 

After a few more attempts, I was ready to go back inside for some warm chili and hot chocolate.