Tears of Joy
“I hope he’s okay,” one of my roommates said to the other, referring to the third roommate who is suspected to have COVID.
I had just started getting back into my regular routine, including rehabilitation exercises. On top of that I had enjoyed spending the last few days in a room by myself.
The nurse arrived at the door fully covered in PPE to deliver the news, and as a result, I missed my usual morning shower, restroom break, and cup of tea. I must say, I missed that cup of tea the most.
Due to the diagnosis, my room is now in lockdown for at least the next two days. Although the rapid antigen tests (RATS) came back negative, we still have to wait for the full PCR results. As a precautionary measure, this means no visitors are allowed, and there might be some delays as nurses and doctors have to take appropriate safety measures during their visits, consequently slowing down my recovery.
Despite the setback, I received a call today from a guy named Clayton, representing an organization called “Limbs For Life.” We have almost identical experiences in terms of the diabetes, amputation and rehabilitation, and so it was great to connect. He described his life-changing experiences following the experience, leaving an unhappy marriage, and changing his career from mining engineer to DJ.
My spirits were also lifted when I received a thoughtful gift from my colleagues at ABC Lismore. It’s a box of all sorts of things from biscuits and nuts to toiletries under the “Byron Bay” name. Over the last couple of years I’ve worked from the Lismore office and feel a lot of affection for them all. With the arrival of the gift I literally burst into tears, as I was so incredibly touched,
Dearest James. It is ok to cry. I think I would and ask why me. But you have many who care for you and are concerned about you, and how good to hear from Clayton. XX
You are allowed to “burst into tears”, James !!! That is part of your healing process, it is great that you have so many friend’s, cherish their gifts if you can, think about people who are in the same boat as you, but no friends. I’am a carer for my ex husband, I don’t get much free time, but I would love to come and visit you sometime, when I can get a bit of time, if that would be OK with you.
Take care, I’m sure you will get a clearance from Covid..
Penny 🤗
Wow. You care for your ex husband? That was also the case in another ward where I was. The bloke, aged in his 70s was a bit of a solitary character and mostly alone, but his ex wife came every day. I’m still friends with my ex, and early in the piece there was some discussion about whether or not he should be told. I’m a great believer that, so long as you end on friendly terms, you should always value and treasure your relationships with your exs because, obviously somrthing brought you together in the first place. Yes, would love to meet you Penny. Many thanks Andrew, yes that call from Clayton, in a very similar situation was wonderful.
I’m one of those hidden followers that enjoy your writing and yet rarely speak. We share a love for the Northern Rivers. I felt that I couldn’t stay silent over this change in your life. You sound very resilient and optimistic and, whilst I know there must be moments of real sorrow and loss, I admire this and know that you will continue this new journey of growth. My very best wishes and thanks for your creative talents.
Many thanks Sally for your beautiful comment.
Hi Sally, my sincere thanks for your wonderfully perceptive comments and best wishes. Hopefully these posts will also be able to help someone else who finds themselves in a similar position.