Wednesday was not the first day since the COVID-19 pandemic began that I learned awful news related to this horrible disease and someone I care about.
No.
However, it has been one that has absolutely knocked me down.
Someone dear to me is terribly ill with COVID-19 and she is in isolation and I know she is frightened and I am afraid for her and would give anything to be able to help her – and I can’t right now.
I can’t go to her – but, more importantly, her children – her heart – and her sweet family can’t go to her either.
She and I have fought autoimmune disease together for years – so having to fight Covid as well is absolute HELL for her.
I don’t have enough words to express how much I. Hate. This.
And before this really sank in?
I’ve probably started five posts about Covid since I last mentioned it – and then decided not to post them because everyone is writing about it and so much has been said and y’all know my feelings.
Well, that doesn’t work for today.
My heart is absolutely broken for what my precious friend is experiencing.
I’m also just absolutely furious that this whole situation has been mismanaged, it should not be this way, and I have some things I just have to say now.
The Glaring National Issue
I was honestly foolish enough to believe that when DJT contracted Covid himself, he MIGHT change his tune.
Wow, was I wrong.
Of course, he got everything from around the clock care at Walter Reed to experimental treatments not available to anyone else and recovered relatively quickly – though he is not exempt from the later effects that others have experienced like clotting issues whether he believes that or not.
Rather than being grateful and acknowledging his position of privilege to get the special care he received, what to did he do? Promptly tweeted, “Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life.”
That he did this just as America crossed the 200,000 dead mark – you know, those lesser mortals than DJT who receive regular medical care or no care at all? – is even more offensive.
Since then, he has doubled down with his foolishness.
As the death toll has now topped 222,000, at a rally in North Carolina, DJT had the unmitigated audacity to complain about the media, “All you hear is Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid.”
Yes, that was eleven times.
He then said, “That’s all they put on because they want to scare the hell out of everyone.”
No, Mr. President. That’s all they “put on,” because it is killing and seriously injuring people – and at a MUCH higher rate than anywhere else in the world.
DJT has also ramped up his attacks on Dr. Fauci – the expert on this matter. Also, one of the many experts who say we are in trouble.
And the second wave is just starting.
DJT also said – as a negative in his mind – that, if elected, Vice President Biden would “listen to the scientists.” When I read that, it seemed so far-fetched – even for him – that I had to verify it.
Yes, it’s true.
What the hell?
Dear Lord, send us someone who will “listen to the scientists” please.
This isn’t a partisan issue. This is much bigger.
It’s costing lives. It is HURTING people.
And I am angry.
On A Local Level
Of course, not helped by the terrible attitude of national leadership, some of the things that are happening locally are ridiculous as well.
In my state, our Governor DID hold her ground on the state mask ordinance – a pleasant surprise – despite being met by resistance from many, including the Lieutenant Governor.
Here’s the kicker: the Lieutenant Governor was diagnosed with Covid this week – and states he STILL opposes a mask ordinance. #fixitjesus
This attitude isn’t uncommon. I am still seeing people – despite the ordinance – at gas stations and all around in my community NOT wearing masks.
And here’s the thing. . .
First, many are still laboring under the false impression that healthy young people will be fine if they contract Covid. While it is true that they have better odds of recovering, they absolutely can still experience severe complications – and there is no way to predict who will be fine and who won’t.
A family friend is 28 years old, with no risk factors, and he is still hospitalized after many weeks and now has a trach. He has fought many complications, including secondary bacterial infections and blood clots, and there was nothing to indicate that he was in any sort of risk group.
Youth and health are no guarantee of protection against bad outcomes.
EVEN IF THEY WERE. . .
People have repeatedly been asked to mask up to avoid spreading the virus to the vulnerable – to the people MORE likely to have bad outcomes.
They’ve been asked to help protect the elderly, those with high risk medical conditions, the immunocompromised, my friend who is now ill with Covid, me. . .
And, for some, it seems this is too much to ask.
And I just don’t know what to say.
The mind boggles.
I’m also hearing tell – and seeing pictures – of large, non-socially distanced gatherings.
As the death toll continues to climb, it’s unbelievable to see.
Some Final Thoughts
Please don’t misunderstand me. I don’t imagine that most people who aren’t wearing masks or are having gatherings mean any harm. I think they probably just haven’t perceived the threat as real yet.
Still, it is.
And it is not pleasant to know – as a person with many risk factors – what contracting it would likely mean for me.
But what’s been just awful?
Knowing how ill my friend is – and that I can’t go help her.
And her family can’t be with her.
That she’s having such a difficult time.
And we’re helpless to do anything but wait and pray.
Please hear me: if there is ANY step you can take to keep someone else from becoming so awfully sick, do so.
It’s absolute hell.
So mask up.
Socially distance.
Wash your hands.
Let’s look after each other.
Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Grace and Blessings.
the autoimmune hippie. 
I have sent a prayer up for your beloved friend…..
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Thank you so much, sweet friend.🖤
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