We’ve had it rough around here for a few weeks. Though the trees are bursting with color and we had a series of beautiful sunny and above average warm days, no one here was enjoying it.
That’s because husband, brother-in-law who was staying with us, and I all tested positive for Covid a little over two weeks ago.
Yep, no matter that we’d been careful, limited our travel to only necessary trips, washed our hands incessently, wore masks everywhere.
We still ended up with the virus.
And worse, my brother-in-law didn’t survive. So on top of feeling tired with achey muscles and never ending coughs we had to work our way through grief and funeral arrangements.
Now that I’m feeling better, I am recognizing that there were a lot of moments, in amongst the heartache and chaos, that made me smile.
Neighbors and family leapt to help us, doing our grocery shopping, picking up Katie’s perscription from her vet, dropping off cases of water and snacks and flowers and fruit and fully cooked meals.
And did I mention soup? We got lots of chicken noodle soup; it’s true that chicken noodle soup is good for the soul. We are proof of that.
Even now that things are settling down we are getting numerous messages and texts, calls and emails from concerned family and friends.
Covid is a scary, dangerous and unpredictable thing. But it’s possible to smile even in the midst of it if you’re as lucky as we are to have wonderful people surrounding you in love.
Images are from our backyard these past few days. Lots of smiling there too.
October 19, 2020 at 9:26 am
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers for your recovery from this virus.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 9:28 am
Thank you Frank. We are almost better, another week and we should be physically healed. Emotionally it will be a long time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 9:29 am
Smiles are what we need to hang on to and even small rays of sunshine in these dark times. Sending love to you and Bruce.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Thank you Bree. I agree, every little ray helps these days.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 9:34 am
My condolences. I hope that you’re taking extra gentle care of yourselves now. Again, I’m sorry for your loss.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:53 pm
Thank you Ally Bean. We’re taking advantage of all the lovely gifts of food we’ve received, and taking naps without feeling guilty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 9:35 am
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I’m so sorry you lost a family member due to the ineptitude of the idiot in charge. Hopefully you will be smiling again soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Thank you Mary. We might have lost him sometime this year, or next anyway, but we wouldn’t have lost him this week, that’s for sure. We are smiling with memories now, and because of all the wonderful people sending us support. Like you.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 9:44 am
Good grief, what you have been through. So sorry and at same time thankful you & husband are now better. All the best wishes for continued complete recovery. Immunity would be a bonus too.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:55 pm
We think immunity is something we’re due, but we’re a little nervous that maybe we aren’t immune forever. I think there needs to be more study on that, so we’re going to be careful for the foreseeable future.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 9:47 am
Prayers answered that you’re both on the mend! I’m sorry you had to go through this, but I’m encouraged to feel the love of your family and friends in its midst. And what splendid shots you’ve shared with us — those pictures of Princess Katie glowing make me smile, too!
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Katie has been trying very hard to make people smile these past couple of weeks. She is glad it worked!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 9:52 am
So very, very sorry. What a terrible loss! How heavy your hearts must be. So glad to read family and friends have been looking after you. Also, that you and your husband have survived this terrible virus. Healing thoughts and best wishes from Maine.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Thank you Laurie! We are very lucky to have wonderful neighbors and friends and family to care for us.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:11 pm
Yes, wonderful! But how heartbreaking for your brother-in-law to die.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:37 pm
Yes, that was and always will be very sad. Also unnecessary if this country had taken the illness more serious. Which makes me mad.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 10:10 am
I’m so sorry for your loss! Glad you and your husband are on the mend though.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Thank you Michelle!
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 10:12 am
I am very sorry for your loss. It is an awful thing. I’m glad you are feeling better, though I know the grief will still be going on for a while. It is great that the community pulled together to help you in your time of need – it’s a bit of light when all seems dark. Good to have some nature in your back yard. The woodpecker shot is great 🙂
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Thank you Trent. I live in a lovely community, we are so lucky. I loved the woodpeker shot too…in fact it was the image that made me decide to include images of stuff from the yard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 10:15 am
I know words cannot convey how sorry I am for your loss. I pray that you & your husband are healing well and quickly. I know that Katie will keep her eye on you and give you snuggles & love. I am encouraged to hear you have a close knit community helping you in your time of need. I’m happy to see you are still taking lovely photos; being out with Mother Nature has healing properties. Take care of yourselves.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:31 pm
Thank you Connie. Yes,our backyard has provided hours of entertainment while we’ve been confined to the house. Katie is a big help getting us outdoors too, as she requires regular yard inspections and visits to her tomato garden.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 10:57 am
Dawn–I am so sorry for all you have gone through. Grief in addition to illness…that is almost too much. You have wonderful neighbors and their love made me smile. Take care of yourself.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:32 pm
Thank you! We do have wonderful neighbors and family who all were very worried and went out of their way to make sure we were as OK as we could be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 11:07 am
Dawn…I was shocked to read this and so sorry for your loss of your brother in law and that you and your husband were ill. Grateful you are okay and for the good friends who helped you through it.
I have to ask…your brother in law…it seems with the timeline you shared that he died quickly. All the more shocking. Did he have risk factors? That is a personal question I know, but I think I’m not alone in wanting to better understand this disease. Ben and I are out and about a lot more then we probably should be but hard to avoid with our lifestyle.
Blessings to you both for good health.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Yes, he did have many health and risk factors. He was in the hospital this last time 10 days after he tested positive, so it was very quick.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:59 pm
I’m so sorry. I did read that you had worried about him the last year. But yes, so shocking to be so sudden. Also agree there is so much we still don’t know, like whether or not it brings immunity. Take good care of yourselves. You have a great attitude.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 1:23 pm
I am so glad you were able to find a few smiles during your challenging weeks. It’s odd how smiles can unexpectedly appear even in the midst of grief. (Am thinking of moments of genuine laughter during my dad’s funeral week.) Can not imagine all the emotions you must have experienced. I thought of you almost every day. Glad you are feeling better.
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Thank you Kathy. Yes we are definitely feeling better! Just a little cough remaining for me, husband is even past that. Thanks for thinking about us every day. I know that helped us move along.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Oh Dawn… my heart is sick for you. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am glad that you are surrounded with love in all ways …right now.
Take care of yourself my friend!
LikeLike
October 19, 2020 at 2:34 pm
Thank you Nancy. Yes, we are surrounded by loving people here in rural Michigan, and across the country, even the world. It’s quite amazing and wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2020 at 10:28 pm
So so sorry that the Virus claimed your brother in law. I do hope that you and your husband make a full recovery. Sending snowy smiles from Minnesnowda!
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Thank you. We are almost entirely better. You can keep that snow up there in MN for awhile yet. We’re still trying to enjoy what fall we have left.
LikeLike
October 20, 2020 at 4:02 am
So sorry for your loss. Hold on to the smiles. Take care on your road to recovery.
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Thank you Mike. I got out with the dog and the camera today and that had the two of us smiling for sure.
LikeLike
October 20, 2020 at 7:01 am
My deepest condolences, and may these smiles and warm wishes soothe your soul a tiny bit. Praying for a full recovery for you and hubby. These are rough times, and thank you so much for sharing. Your photos always brighten my day and make me smile. 😀 Take care! ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:37 pm
Thank you. We are feeling lots better. I took Katie out to the park today, first time in a long time. We both felt better after a walk in the leaves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm
That’s wonderful you got outside. It’s amazing how the fresh air brings better health and a smile! Katie is soooo cute!!
LikeLike
October 20, 2020 at 8:55 am
Oh my gosh, Dawn. I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother in law, what a shock. Im sure you did everything right, and you still got Covid. Im glad you are on the mend and healing. My prayers for you and your for peace, smiles and emotional recovery. Thank goodness for your friends and family.
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:37 pm
Thank you Terri. We are doing much better, thanks to our kind neighbors, friends and family. Today I got outside with Katie and that made her and me smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 20, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Dawn, I’ve been thinking of you and Bruce and wondering how you’re doing. Sending virtual smiles and hugs and sunshine — xxxooo
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Well, we just got a few minutes of sunshine here, you must have sent it! Thank you!
LikeLike
October 20, 2020 at 2:26 pm
Dawn great shots as usual. Great to see your pup in there too. My dog Toro is frequently trying to steal the show in my shots.
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Katie likes to pose because she gets treats for doing that. So she’s always looking for a way to get into a picture.
LikeLike
October 20, 2020 at 7:41 pm
I am so sorry, Dawn! I’m so so sorry for the heartbreak that this year has held for you, and so many others. May you continue to heal, and may smiles return, in time.
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Thank you! Katie and I found some smiles today with a walk in the park.
LikeLike
October 20, 2020 at 11:11 pm
I thought you were just editing pictures or on a prolonged camping trip.
You’ve been on trip alright. To Hell and back. My condolences to you and Bruce. How ravaged and exhausted you both must be. Shell shocked, I imagine.
I’m glad you never lost touch of your optimism and gratitude, it can push you throw dark times.
LikeLike
October 21, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Yes, it’s been hard, but today the sun was out for a few minutes and Katie and I went to a park to play in the leaves. There’s always something good to look forward to.
LikeLike
Pingback: The Weekly Smile Recap 10/19 – 10/25/2020 | Trent's World (the Blog)
October 31, 2020 at 12:28 am
I am so sorry for your loss. And for your illness.
I am so moved that you have chosen to share your sadness, and also the things that have brought you comfort.
It is stories like yours which bring home truly what a challenging time we find ourselves, which inspire us to look beyond what we think we know and see.
Sending you best wishes for continued recovery of body & soul.
P/S I found my way to you through Trent’s The Weekly Smile.
LikeLike
October 31, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Thank you. I appreciate your best wishes for us. We are feeling pretty good now.
LikeLike
November 4, 2020 at 9:11 pm
That is so good to hear.
I was telling my husband about you and your experience. And how you were able to look on the bright side after all of that. Inspired.
LikeLike