Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash
We had COVID-19
What I thought was a cold or maybe even a minor flu – since the symptoms were simple – fever and feeling a little lethargic. There was no way it could be COVID – I don't go anywhere. I don't even do groceries as my husband runs all the errands outside the house. I work from home, I drive my kids to their activities, but stay in the car since there are no more waiting rooms or hanging around during this pandemic. My symptoms cleared in a couple days and even the initial assessment for testing stated I didn’t require a test.
So, I figured it was a cold and it was over. Then a couple days later, my husband started feeling ill and I couldn’t taste the toothpaste I used that morning. I couldn’t taste my coffee and I couldn’t smell the essential oil diffuser I have a habit of using every day. It couldn’t be – but we immediately went to get tested (especially with my new symptom in play now).
After two agonizing days – the verdict came in – we were positive.
I cried. I cried because I didn’t know enough about the virus (despite it being on every form of media) and I was worried for the kids, I was worried about exposing anyone unknowingly. I didn’t leave the house – I don't go anywhere – how did this happen.
To be honest, I believed COVID was real, but wasn't aware of how easy/quick it could be transmitted … especially when I thought I was so careful. As I said, I didn't go anywhere.
We learned – you just never know.
Working with the support for Public Health, we did what we were supposed to – in order to keep the kids safe. We couldn’t ask for anyone to help us - because then they would be exposed. My nine-year old was responsible for making breakfast in the morning for her and her six-year-old sister and she helped with bath time (not sure how clean they were getting that week). Thankfully they both tested negative – and my husband and I kept away from them and made everyone wear masks in the house.
The strain on my emotions not being able to hold or be with my kids was unbearable. My youngest would plead for me to tuck her in to bed and beg for just one hug – I had to say no. Say goodnight from the bedroom door with my mask on. This happened for days and days.
The anxiety that my loss of taste and smell caused was also not expected. It is hard to explain how that impacts your day to day life. You feel like you are walking through a void – it's so hard to explain. Thankfully after eight days, it started to return slowly. I mean I was testing my smell everyday by walking around smelling candles, deodorant, perfumes and essential oils. Also, my taste returned and I first noticed when I ate an Indian dish my mother—in-law made – I had never been so grateful for her cooking.
All to say, we were really lucky – I know there are so many that have suffered from this virus and their outcome was very different. Our symptoms were minor relatively speaking and we came out of it whole. What it did teach me is that health trumps everything. It gave me more perspective. I can't even tell you how many promises I made out loud. I promised that I won't care about winning the lottery, I wouldn't wish for more and bigger things, I would appreciate my family, I would promise that I would have more patience with my kids … you name it – I promised it. I know some of these won't be kept (not intentionally) – but I do promise that I will always remember to be grateful for our health, to be grateful for what we have and to appreciate all the moments … good and bad.
I wanted to share this story – because I know many have gone through this either directly, or indirectly and it seems like a fog. No one knows exactly what to do and who to talk to – but I want to remind you that this is real. This is something that will impact pretty much everyone. It is not something to be ashamed of or feel like you did something wrong. However, keep doing what you can to keep safe – and together with the support of friends, family and even strangers – we will all get through this.
For more information on how to stay safe and for updates on the current pandemic - visit Public Safety Canada
What I thought was a cold or maybe even a minor flu – since the symptoms were simple – fever and feeling a little lethargic. There was no way it could be COVID – I don't go anywhere. I don't even do groceries as my husband runs all the errands outside the house. I work from home, I drive my kids to their activities, but stay in the car since there are no more waiting rooms or hanging around during this pandemic. My symptoms cleared in a couple days and even the initial assessment for testing stated I didn’t require a test.
So, I figured it was a cold and it was over. Then a couple days later, my husband started feeling ill and I couldn’t taste the toothpaste I used that morning. I couldn’t taste my coffee and I couldn’t smell the essential oil diffuser I have a habit of using every day. It couldn’t be – but we immediately went to get tested (especially with my new symptom in play now).
After two agonizing days – the verdict came in – we were positive.
I cried. I cried because I didn’t know enough about the virus (despite it being on every form of media) and I was worried for the kids, I was worried about exposing anyone unknowingly. I didn’t leave the house – I don't go anywhere – how did this happen.
To be honest, I believed COVID was real, but wasn't aware of how easy/quick it could be transmitted … especially when I thought I was so careful. As I said, I didn't go anywhere.
We learned – you just never know.
Working with the support for Public Health, we did what we were supposed to – in order to keep the kids safe. We couldn’t ask for anyone to help us - because then they would be exposed. My nine-year old was responsible for making breakfast in the morning for her and her six-year-old sister and she helped with bath time (not sure how clean they were getting that week). Thankfully they both tested negative – and my husband and I kept away from them and made everyone wear masks in the house.
The strain on my emotions not being able to hold or be with my kids was unbearable. My youngest would plead for me to tuck her in to bed and beg for just one hug – I had to say no. Say goodnight from the bedroom door with my mask on. This happened for days and days.
The anxiety that my loss of taste and smell caused was also not expected. It is hard to explain how that impacts your day to day life. You feel like you are walking through a void – it's so hard to explain. Thankfully after eight days, it started to return slowly. I mean I was testing my smell everyday by walking around smelling candles, deodorant, perfumes and essential oils. Also, my taste returned and I first noticed when I ate an Indian dish my mother—in-law made – I had never been so grateful for her cooking.
All to say, we were really lucky – I know there are so many that have suffered from this virus and their outcome was very different. Our symptoms were minor relatively speaking and we came out of it whole. What it did teach me is that health trumps everything. It gave me more perspective. I can't even tell you how many promises I made out loud. I promised that I won't care about winning the lottery, I wouldn't wish for more and bigger things, I would appreciate my family, I would promise that I would have more patience with my kids … you name it – I promised it. I know some of these won't be kept (not intentionally) – but I do promise that I will always remember to be grateful for our health, to be grateful for what we have and to appreciate all the moments … good and bad.
I wanted to share this story – because I know many have gone through this either directly, or indirectly and it seems like a fog. No one knows exactly what to do and who to talk to – but I want to remind you that this is real. This is something that will impact pretty much everyone. It is not something to be ashamed of or feel like you did something wrong. However, keep doing what you can to keep safe – and together with the support of friends, family and even strangers – we will all get through this.
For more information on how to stay safe and for updates on the current pandemic - visit Public Safety Canada
Homepage image by Dhaya Eddine Bentaleb on Unsplash
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