Up and Down

/ Ann Coleman

If I ever had any doubts about the truth of the saying, “Life is like a roller coaster, full of ups and downs,” the events of the past couple of weeks have put them to rest.  Approximately four weeks ago, I was sitting in my favorite restaurant, celebrating an early birthday dinner with my immediate family.  I distinctly remember sitting with my oldest two grandchildren on my lap, looking over at the baby and thinking, “I am so blessed.”

IMG_1923The reason we were celebrating my birthday early was that my husband and I were going to be on Sanibel Island for my actual birthday, and Florida’s Sanibel Island is one of my very favorite places.  Even better, the trip was all I had hoped it would be:  we had great weather, were joined for a few days by good friends, found some fun shells and even had the chance to get up close and personal with manatees.  It was, honestly, the highlight of my year so far.

But what goes up must come down, as we all know.  Early last week, I started to feel a bit sick.  I figured it was my usual allergic reaction to the green tree pollen that’s coating everything here, but I took a Covid test and got a negative result.  I stayed home even so, resting and drinking lots of water.  After a couple of days I felt much better, but decided to take another Covid test before I ventured out in public, just to be sure.  And it was positive.

I know I still have lots to be thankful for.  My symptoms were extremely mild, and my husband was out of town on business while I got sick, and he tested negative when he returned.  Unfortunately, the difference in our Covid status means we can’t share living space, so I’m upstairs in the primary bedroom of our story-and-a-half house while my husband is staying downstairs and sleeping in the guest room.  And as nice as our primary suite is, it was designed for sleeping, not living in 24/7.  Especially not in the heat we’ve been enduring this past week, because our upstairs depends on the additional cooling provided by the window AC unit my husband would install if he were allowed to be in the same space as me.

Sometimes as I’m sitting on my bed, watching yet another HGTV rerun or reading yet another book and trying not to sweat on the pages, I can’t help but feel just a little bit sorry for myself.  Boredom and loneliness aren’t fun companions.  It’s a little off-putting when I don my N95 mask and go downstairs to replenish my ice water, and my husband gives me a horrified look and quickly darts into another room.  He’s being sensible, I know, but it still takes getting used to.  And it didn’t help when, safely back upstairs, the strap broke as I was removing the mask, snapping me sharply just below the left eye.  You know you’re in an unlucky phase when you get attacked by your face mask.

But I know that this, too, shall pass.  My husband continues to test negative, and every day brings me closer to the end of my isolation period.  I know the time will come when all I remember about this time is how grateful I am that it wasn’t much, much worse.  And meanwhile, I’ll just sit tight and dream about the next time I get to visit Sanibel…….

117 thoughts on “Up and Down”

  2. We need to have a not like button. Sorry to hear you are isolated, hope you get over it soon. Weather has been great here so I know you did have a wonderful time on Sanibel. We are heading to Captiva in June with our family to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. ❤️ Looking forward to it!

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  4. I am glad you had a nice vacation on Sanibel. My uncle has a home there where they spend 1/2 the year, so we have been there a couple of times. Bummer that you got covid, but thankfully it sounds like it is more of an inconvenience rather than a health crisis. My son got covid a week before Christmas but did not know it until he and his wife were with her parents. It really messed up our holiday but as in your case at least no one got super sick. It seems likely that we will get it sooner or later, despite our being vaccinated and being careful all this time. I am glad spring is here so we can all spend more of our socializing time outside.

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    • Yes, Covid is getting harder and harder to avoid. I’m vaccinated and boosted, which didn’t prevent it, but I think it probably helped me get the mild symptoms I had. And I’m envious of your uncle! I’d love to have a home on Sanibel, or a relative with a home there who I could visit rather often….. I’m sorry to hear about your son and your holiday plans, but glad no one got really sick.

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    • My husband’s oncologist told us he believe everyone will get it sooner or later, but some people will never know they had it. I think the vaccines and the boosters help, though, and believe that’s probably why my case was mild. I know I was lucky to avoid it when it first came out and there were no vaccines and the medical community still didn’t know as much about how to treat it. My hope is that someday there is a vaccine that offers 100% protection!

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  6. Oh no, Ann. I’m sorry you tested positive – glad the symptoms are mild. It’s disruptive for sure. We went through that over the winter and I stayed in an extra room with a twin bed for a week! Hope your household is back to normal soon!

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  7. Happy birthday. And I have to say that you were very lucky not to get that sick. My father and I got terribly sick with covid last year, as well as my sister’s boyfriend. He passed away but by the graces of God my Dad and I made it through. I was in the hospital for two days learning how to breathe again because I had pneumonia too. I am very thankful to still be here because it was very scary. Happy Birthday again and I’m glad you got you enjoy your actual day.

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    • Thank you! And yes, I know how lucky I am to get a mild case when so many people were seriously ill and others lost their lives. I’m so sorry to hear about your sister’s boyfriend, and also to hear how wick you and your father were. Pneumonia much have made it even worse! I’m glad you finally beat it and hope you never get it again!

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  8. I’m sorry you’re ill, Ann. It’s never fun, Covid or not. Tell God all about it – I’ve learned that He wants us to trust Him with all the details we might not share with others – every whine and sob! Also, some hot and strong ginger tea taken as often in a day as possible might bring spring back to you a lot quicker. I will pray for you♡

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  9. Firstly happy belated birthday Ann. Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday on Sanibel. Sorry to hear you got sick, it’s never fun and I’m glad your symptoms were mild. I’m sure it won’t be long before you’ll be able to co-habitat with your husband again. Take care, keep smiling and keep counting those blessings! xx

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    • Thanks, Miriam! I did have a wonderful birthday, both at my dinner and on Sanibel. If I feel myself getting a little too down, I just reflect on that time and it helps. It also helps knowing this will be over soon, and feeling just fine now physically. Counting our blessings is the way to go for sure!

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    • Don’t apologize, it was meant to be funny! (I was actually a bit worried someone might get offended by my joking about something as serious as Covid, but humor is how I cope. And face it, these days, someone is always offended, so we can’t really worry about that.) All I can say is, now I know how “Typhoid Mary” must have felt!!

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  11. Oh Ann, what horrible news! I am glad that it doesn’t seem to be too bad, but how unlucky after a great vacation to end up with Covid. Take care and look forward to the day your husband stops running and avoiding you.

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    • Thanks, Deb! And yes, I’ll know this is well and truly over when he doesn’t exit a room as soon as I enter it….. Meanwhile, I’m grateful for the mild symptoms and even more grateful that my husband seems to have been spared.

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    • I heard they are working on one, and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. I also heard that there is vaccine in the works that will be a nasal spray, which would also be nice. I really do think that science will get there eventually….if I think about it, it’s amazing how far we’ve come already with such a new (version, at least) disease.

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  16. I’m so sorry to read that you’ve been sick, Ann! As you say, it’s a relief that it wasn’t even worse, but certainly not a fun time. Wonderful that you have those memories of your trip to replay in your mind:) Take care!

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  17. So sorry Ann to hear about your positive test result. Glad the symptoms are not severe. Your situation with your husband reminds me of a time when my daughter was about three and got the chicken pox. I had never had them so I couldn’t be around her. It killed me that I could not comfort her when she was sick! One day during her illness it was just me and her in the house; Holly was running errands. My daughter came out of her bedroom feeling very sick and called for me. I threw caution to the wind and went to her, took her hand and went to the family room to cuddle and comfort her. Within a day I had the chicken pox. But I’ve never regretted being there for my daughter in spite of how crappy I felt as an adult with chicken pox. Hopefully your hubby will remain healthy and yiu will have a speedy recovery.

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    • Thank you! And I don’t blame you a bit: when our kids need us, we’re there for them, regardless of the cost. When the pandemic first hit and I was taking care of my grandson while his daycare was closed I did have a few people question why I was putting myself at risk like that. First of all, there was very little risk since the only two places he went was his house and my house, and his parents were very careful. But secondly, I honestly felt that the risk was worth it. I mean, my grandson needed someone to care for him and so I did. I would have made the same choice you did. I’m sorry you got sick as a result, though. And thanks for your kind words!

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  18. Get well–I’m glad the symptoms were mild. I’m always looking for a silver lining, so if there is one, actually having a case of Covid (along with your vaccinations) may give you the best protection from the next variant.

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    • Thank you so much! It was, especially at first. But as time goes on, I’m getting a better attitude towards the whole situation. Knowing that my time in isolation won’t be too much longer sure helps!

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  20. The self deprecating humour has made it a fun piece to read; but I am sorry you are going through this phase. It’s becoming nearly impossible not to get struck by this disease no matter which corner of the planet you are hiding in. Thankfully, you are going to develop effective immunity after the bout. I don’t blame your husband for being extremely cautious. He is being sensible, especially in light of his recent health scare. As for your special party in Florida, I trust you have a Plan B in store.

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    • No, I don’t blame him either, and I know he’s being sensible. He really can’t afford to take any risks, and I wouldn’t want him to. It just takes some getting used to, as usually in times of trouble, we turn to each other for comfort. Now we have to avoid each other! But this won’t last forever, thank goodness. And thanks for saying you enjoyed reading this!

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  22. Wow, Ann, thanks for your honesty and sharing. It sure doesn’t sound fun and hope it will all be behind you soon! At least you’ll have immunity for a while and that’s a small silver lining.

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    • Yes, that is the upside to all this. They say that those who are vaccinated and have also had it have the best immunity to the disease, although I don’t know for how long. My guess is at least six months? Whatever it is, I’ll take it!

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    • I think the problem is it’s staying power. If it had simply come and gone, as many other diseases did, we could have weathered the storm. But this seems to be here to stay, like the flu, measles, etc. So I think until they develop a vaccine that is 100% effective, the chances are, sooner or later, we’re all going to get it. Luckily, we know how to treat it so much better now and it seems that the newer variants produce milder symptoms. Or that could be the result of the vaccines. And I do believe that science will eventually prevail over Covid!

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  28. Hopefully, the isolation will be over soon, and you will be back to moving freely around the house. So take this as an opportunity for a break from all your house chores. It was very hot here in Ontario too and I was puffing and complaining about it. But it is over now, and we are back into our nicely chilly temperatures.

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    • Our heat wave finally broke too, thank goodness. And I’m nearing the end of my isolation period, which also helps. But I have to say it is kind of nice to wake up in the morning and not have to rush off anywhere!

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  29. Hope your isolation period is almost over!
    My husband and I both got Covid in January. When we left Alberta and entered the States we had already decided we were not going to keep masking and isolating since there were no such mandates in the states we were traveling through. We were triple vaxxed and healthy and trusted the science that said our risk of serious disease was low. I got Covid first and by the time I had symptoms we knew my husband had already been exposed. We both isolated for the required 5 days and kept our distance from others for another week after that, though most of the people we knew down there told us not to bother with distancing from them because they had already had it!
    I agree that Covid is now something that will circulate just like colds and flu.

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    • Thanks, Margy! It is just a few more days, thank goodness. I’m glad you and your husband got the mild versions too. It seems that is what most people get who are vaccinated and boosted, if they don’t have other health issues that make them more vulnerable. I agree we just have to live our lives as best we can with this, because I don’t think Covid is going anywhere. All we can do is take sensible precautions, do our best to protect the vulnerable and hope that the day is coming when a 100% effective vaccine is here!

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        • Yes, that’s what most of the experts think, and they’re probably right. I think from now on, we’ll have good times and bad times with Covid, depending on how effective the newest vaccine is against the newest variant.

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  33. I am so very sorry that you got sick. We all had Covid together at my house at the same time. It is hard to be isolated, especially when you do not feel well. Praying for you! I am glad you got sick after your vacation and not before! (It is never a good time to be sick, however.) Sending you hugs!

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    • I’m so sorry your whole family got Covid, Linda! Although it’s easier to isolate with others, it’s also so much harder when you’re worried about your family while you’re isolating. As hard as it is to stay away from my husband, at least I know he doesn’t have it, and that helps. Thanks so much for your prayers, I’m already feeling so much better!

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  34. Ann, I’m so sorry you caught COVID, but oh, how delighted I am to hear that your symptoms are so mild! Sure, it’s an aggravation to be isolated from those you love and stuck in a boring routine not of your choosing, but you’re right: it could be so much worse. At least you’re at home and not in the hospital. At least you had a great birthday and vacation. At least you still have your sense of humor. Rest well, friend, and get back to being YOU real soon!

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    • Yes, whenever I get too tired of the four walls of my bedroom, I just think, “well, at least it’s not a hospital room!” And I did have a lovely time on vacation. So you’re right, it’s more of an aggravation than a real problem, and it will all be over soon. Thanks so much for your encouraging words! One of the nice things about blogging is the supportive blogging friends we make along the way….thanks for being one of those friends!

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  38. Although my husband and I have managed to avoid it so far (as far as we know, anyway), I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. So many friends have gotten it but all are vaxxed and boosted so the symptoms were quite mild like yours. I read recently that reinfections are common, though, so I imagine that, pretty soon, it will be treated like the flu. I remain mystified why anyone who can get vaccinated chooses not to. I hope you are 100% soon!

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    • I have a friend who just got her second cases of Covid, but the first case was over a year ago. And I do think it will be very similar to flu eventually, with some good times and some bad times, Covid-wise, as we move ahead. And thanks for your good wishes!

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  39. I hope you are soon in the clear, Ann, and can once again get outdoors for some fresh air, minus any green tree pollen. I am so relieved that your symptoms have been relatively mild. Another positive is that your timing was impeccable, Ann. Hopefully all that sun and relaxation stood you in good stead for this challenge.

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    • Yes, I would have been so disappointed if I had gotten sick just before my trip to Sanibel. I’d rather not have it at all, but the timing was actually not bad at all. My husband was gone when I had the symptoms, I’d already been on my trip, and I didn’t have any obligations that couldn’t be postponed. Thanks, Tracy!

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    • Isolating is so hard, isn’t it? Humans are, by nature, social creatures to one extent or another. So I imagine that is why this struck a chord with you. I hope you are able to get out a bit more in the future! And thanks for your kind words.

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  41. Well, phooey. I’m sorry to read this, but glad that you have a good attitude about this stupid inconvenience in your life. Honestly on the one hand I think I’d enjoy isolating at home in one quadrant [my own space] but on the other hand I know I’d get sick of it more quickly than I think. Hang tough, stay safe

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    • I don’t mind being alone for a while, and actually enjoy it. But there is something about not being allowed to be around others or leave the house that makes it harder to bear. And I think that I’m also used to turning to my husband for comfort when things are wrong, so having to avoid him isn’t enjoyable. That being said, at least I have a TV in my bedroom and a ton of books in the house! It helps. Thanks, Ally!

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  42. Sorry to hear you’ve had to deal with this, but I guess on the bright side at least you’ve had the shots to mitigate it. Imagine getting it a couple of years ago. Better to be able to isolate in your own bed than in a hospital’s.

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    • That’s true, it could have been a whole lot worse, especially if I got it when the pandemic first started and the medical community was still figuring out how to deal with it. And thankfully, I’m both better now and out of isolation.

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  44. Well, this is terrible news, but I’m glad you didn’t have awful symptoms, or worse, long COVID. It sounds like you’re finding the bright side of the situation 😉

    Don’t know if I already said this, but HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY!

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  45. Life is indeed like a roller coaster ride. I’m so sorry that you tested positive for COVID. There’s a lot of stress that comes with that. But, I’m glad the symptoms have been mild and your husband was out of town. I can relate to the frustration. Though I have traveled quite a bit lately, I wore my N95 each time. I’m vaccinated and boosted. So, I guess I thought I would be bullet proof? Sadly, my husband and I tested positive three weeks ago. We have a lingering cough but feel so very thankful it wasn’t worse. Hoping you get that negative result soon!!

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    • Thanks, Brenda! I tested negative on both day ten and twelve after symptoms, which is really good news. And I’m so sorry you and your husband both got Covid. It does seem as if the vaccine guarantees a mild version of the disease, but doesn’t really guarantee you won’t get it. (At least with the variants we’re dealing with now.) Like you, I’m just thankful that my symptoms weren’t worse!

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  46. Ugh sorry to read you have been hit by Covid. Hopefully by the time you read my comment you are healthy again and feeling well. Thankfully you didn’t get it too badly. It is quite amazing how many people seem to have recently caught Covid, just that I know.. family and friends, I can think of over twenty!
    Definitely challenging to live in the same house and not be able to interact and have to keep distances. Makes me think of those that live in large families and small houses and how they manage to cope under these challenging circumstances.
    Well at least hopefully you have some good immunity now and will have a great summer ahead of you!
    Peta

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    • Thanks, Peta! The silver lining is that between being vaccinated and having had Covid, my immunity to the disease should be pretty strong for at least the next six months or so. And I’ve also noticed a lot of people who are getting Covid, despite being vaccinated. It seems that this variant is rather sneaky, but the symptoms are mild, thank goodness!

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  48. An up-and-down month for sure, Ann. I hope by now you are past your isolation and can enjoy your entire home again. You and your husband handled your infection very sensibly and your caution only promotes the end of this enduring pandemic. We are currently traveling in Peru, which has the highest per capita covid death rate in the world. Here, access to many indoor spaces still requires proof of vaccination, and mask mandates remain in force. To us, this is comforting and no inconvenience whatsoever.

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    • Thanks, Joe! Yes, my husband and I tried to be cautious and sensible about the whole thing, as I would never want to pass this virus on through carelessness. And I’m glad to hear that Peru has strict safeguards in place, especially if their death rate is so high. I’m sure that makes you feel much better about traveling there. We really can get on with things, we just have to take necessary precautions when we do, I think.

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  49. I’m so glad your symptoms were mild overall, Ann, and that your husband didn’t come down with it too. And I’m glad you got to Sanibel Island! My one planned trip there got canceled due to work, so I still haven’t been there. It sounds wonderful. And Happy Belated Birthday.
    I hope you’re fully recovered now without any lasting symptoms. Take care.

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  50. Awwww…sending all kinds of healing energy to you Ann!! Really happy that it was a mild case. I can only imagine what it was like to see your husband run into the other room! I get it!
    Hopefully you are returned to perfect health by the time you read this. And…so happy you had a run in with a manatee(s)!They are truly amazing sea creatures!! I saw one a couple weeks ago…in a place I had never before. 🙂
    Take care!! ❤

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