Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Things are Far From Normal

      We have sad news in our family of an extended family loved one now on a respirator for Covid. She is a 38 year old mother of two. I don't know if she was or was not vaccinated. I don't know where she may have contracted it. I don't know if she avoided crowds, wore a mask all the time or was only around people who wore a mask. I know nothing and I don't really care what any of the answers are. I am sad, scared, and feel helpless to try and help her immediate family.  I'm angry that someone, somewhere continues to minimize this health crisis, while others lie in hospital beds. I'm mad at the political rhetoric and talking heads in Washington that just will not shut up with their visceral spewing of nonsense in the name of "muh freedum".  

     I appreciate folks saying I just need to not work when I should be off the clock. It just isn't going to happen for a few weeks. The work I'm doing is trying to mitigate some of the stress and learning disruption that happened over the last 16 months, while still trying to move forward as more people are vaccinated. It's just how it is now, and I can't work faster to get everything done that needs to be done in the next two weeks. There literally is no one else that can do some of the things I am doing as those that could, have their own tasks. I got a little break this weekend before  diving back in, and before hearing about my family. I'll try to get back to blogging when I can but felt you all deserved a little explanation of where my head has been at, and where it will be for a while. I'll take mental health breaks and catch up with you all as I can. Take care and stay safe. 


23 comments:

  1. I am so sorry about your family member. No one should have to suffer through this devastating illness. I also know what it's like to be committed to work, I go through same during the school year. What needs done must get done. I hope the time with your family over this holiday weekend helped you relax and prepare for the work ahead. I wish your extended family member a full recovery soon. Best, Celie

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  2. Thinking of you and your extended family. Take care xx

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  3. I am so sorry to hear this very sad news Sam. I hope and pray that she will be ok. Please keep us posted.

    I can relate to your work situation, I've been in that position before. Is it fair? No, but sometimes that's just the way it is. I hope things will slow down a bit soon.

    Take time to take care of yourself and stop in to visit us when you can.

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  4. I am so sorry about your family member. Prayers of healing being said.

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  5. I'm sorry to hear about your family member. I'm praying that things will improve for her.

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  6. I am so sorry to hear about your family member. I just wish that people would actually believe this crisis is real. Prayers for your relative and her family. I know it is hard for them all.

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  7. Sending prayers for your family member and her children.

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  8. It is too bad people cannot see what is happening and how people are still being affected. I keep muttering that it is not over, not safe yet. You know what you can do and what you have to do. I am glad there are dedicated people like you who persevere to help others. Just try to get yourself some good times off with your family to help you get through what you are doing. I blogged about three deaths in my life this last week. Hopefully, your relative will be well soon. Sending good thoughts.

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  9. I am so sorry to hear about your family member. The mental gymnastics our fellow countrymen have gone through amid this crisis appalls me.
    Stupidity reigns supreme. Don't even get me started on how many of those vaccine refusing, COVID denying morons are supposedly pro-life. Sorry, you don't need a rant, but I hear you. I am sending healing thoughts.

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  10. I am so sorry to hear about this young woman struck down by Covid, the victims seem to be getting younger as the virus mutates and yet there's people out there convinced it's a government conspiracy. xxx

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  11. I've had 3 deaths in my family due to covid. The pain and the sadness I feel everyday can be at times, overwhelming. This pandemic is real. I wish people would just stop pooh-poohing it!!! Two families have now lost one of their parents. I lost my brother. I will NEVER get over the loss. Never.

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  12. Hello Sam, The politically-based reactions to Covid have caused so many personal and economic losses, yet people still refuse to listen to reason. Usually we hear aggregated statistics, but it is stories like your relative, a young mother of two, that really bring home what is happening. I hope that she will recover rapidly.
    --Jim

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  13. I wish your family member a speedy recovery. I agree with you completely about being mad at the people who take this health issue lightly. Even after I am fully vaccinated, I am determinde to keep wearing a mask, maintaining my social distance and maintaining my hygiene routine. That is not just to protect myself but, others as well. Wishing you strength and health during this difficult time in your family.

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  14. I am so sorry about your family member, Sam. I will be keeping all of you in good thoughts.

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  15. Hearing that kind of news really hits you hard, doesn’t it. I’m so sorry and I hope she can recover. Again it seems my reply on your previous post yeeted itself somewhere into cyberspace but I do hope you can find a resolution where you can donate or get some sort of reimbursement for the time off that you can’t use. I didn’t wear a mask when we went to get ice cream. That was the first time I was inside without one, and it was 10 minutes tops at that. I had myself convinced I was getting sick yesterday-it was just my anxiety playing tricks on me but I’ve decided to start taking Emergen-C and eating more fruits and veg to jumpstart my immune system. I feel like it’s going to be very hard for me to stop wearing my mask indoors. Take care SAM and family, and I look forward to a positive update! JoAnn

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  16. I'm so very sorry to hear that. I agree, it's infuriating. And, I can also totally understand why you feel committed to working through this right now, as it's a time of particular crisis in education. Remember to take breaks for yourself, and then build in a lengthier time to rest & recover when you have the opportunity. Hugs.

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  17. I AM SO SORRY. I lost a great Aunt who refused the vaccine and now I am dealing with a Great Uncle who is grieving so badly. You do what you have to do my friend and ignore people who gripe about you working too much. Sometimes you just have to meet the cause. Thank goodness for your work ethic.

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  18. I am so sorry. I hope that she has a quick recovery.
    So much suffering, yet so much stupidity over this virus.
    Take care of yourself.

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  19. I've been offline for a few days too as I just didn't want to think about the world/covid/wars/politics for a few days, but I'm so, so sorry to hear about your family member. I really hope she pulls through! As for your work, cudda, wudda, shudda doesn't always cut it does it, when the work needs to be done. Take care!

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  20. I hope that she makes a good and full recovery. Arilx

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  21. I am sorry to hear this. I work with adult students and continue to be on the look out for this same thing. I currently have 2 students at home after testing positive, one was very ill but has gotten over the worst. It might be getting better and then again it might not. Stay healthy.

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  22. Thank all of you for all the comments and supportive wishes. She's showinf some, if slow, improvement. The work project launched (more to do but less intense). You're all a great support.

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  23. I read these in reverse; I am glad to see you are surrounded by Love in all these comments.

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