Daily writing prompt

How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic?

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As someone with a compromised immune system, my husband and I took the threat of covid seriously from the very beginning. Unlike most of my family, I adhered to precaution and remained sheltered-in-place throughout much of the pandemic. Several of my siblings, cousins and aunts became infected with the virus. One of my sisters had it three times! Even my mother, who faithfully received her covid shots and subsequent boosters at the outset, lapsed into complacency. Residing now in an assisted-living facility, we believed it was just a matter of time before there was an outbreak there. Failing to get vaccinated last fall, despite my repeated urgings, she too ‘got covid’ in January of this year.

My husband and I steadfastly avoided large family gatherings, especially those in cold-weather months when the rates of infection increased, often dramatically. We missed graduations, weddings, funerals, family reunions. Discovering after these events that one or more individuals had been diagnosed with covid, I felt validation. Not getting sick was important to me. Not being hospitalized, was vital. Not dying, well. To us, congregating with family just wasn’t worth it.

My family relations, however, suffered due to our precautions. The dysfunction of my family, the toxicity was only amplified. While I’ll never know exactly what’s been said about me behind my back, what was said to my face, the insinuations, the accusations, the mockeries, were bad enough. So be it. I’ve moved on.

Fast forward to today, to the lives we’re living now. I have no regrets and I’m more confident about my health, more at ease. However, I still employ caution and common sense regarding where – and when – I venture out into the world. Large, open indoor spaces, especially during slow-traffic time frames, are okay. In doctor’s offices or anywhere that I have to come into close, sustained contact with others, I’ll wear a mask. There are no guarantees. I might still get covid. I understand that but I believe the prevalence of infection has substantially decreased over time. As my rheumatologist now tells me, get out there and live, Julie. And I’m doing just that. I have to be more focused and strategic about my comings and goings now but that’s okay. I can live with that.

I can live.