QUARANTINE

 

Five days ago, Wednesday morning, I was getting ready to go to a patient’s home nearby to do a hospice admission.  At 10:25, five minutes before I planned on leaving, my boss called me and said that I was with a co-worker two days ago who now has COVID virus systems.  She shared that she could not tell me who the employee was due to confidentiality.  She instructed me to go directly home in quarantine for 14 days 

My hospice’s staff so diligently follow COVID precautions in our dress, manner and behavior.  As I was driving home, it felt so surreal.  I was about fifteen minutes away from the office when I figured out who I was working with two days prior.  I knew she was not working this day either.  I called her and didn’t even say “Hi”, but said, “How are you?”  She spoke about her symptoms openly.  I made sure she knew that I wasn’t told her name by management, but figured it out myself. 

She and I have been talking daily.  She feels so bad that she may have infected me.  I told her I probably would feel the same too if I were in her shoes, but strongly added, “It is not your fault.   You didn’t know.  You had no symptoms.”  I do not blame her at all.  She is a wonderful nurse and such an amazing person.  We work so well together.  

I texted her early this morning to say my test results were negative.  She wrote back that she felt so relieved; adding, “I may be back to work in four days”.  

I know she was worried about me as well as herself.  I did not realize how stressed I was until after I read my test results.  Relief was the emotion that totally embraced me.  I strongly believe that we all take our health for granted until we lose it.  Good health is such a precious gift.  I am strongly embracing that today. 

QUARANTINE

Seven days ago, I did two admissions;

back-to-back with the same nurse.

We followed COVID precautions faithfully;

washing hands; wearing masks; driving separately.

 

Five days ago, I headed home on quarantine

as six days ago, she developed symptoms.

Fourteen days in the home, not going out.

         Social isolation intensified. 

 

I never developed any symptoms myself.

Deep inside, I knew I was not infected,

while also knowing, one could have it

         and not even be aware.

 

I, so strongly, don’t want to become sick,

but it would be so much worse and horrifying;

unknowingly and without any intention on my part,

to afflict another with this dreadful disease.

 

I stayed home these past five days.

Only going out for my three-mile walks.

I did my hospice work over the telephone.

A connection and support, but not as rewarding.

 

I was so stressed and nervous yesterday

knowing I had the virus test scheduled for 2:45.

Eight hours later, I read what I so wanted to read.

         “Your test results are NEGATIVE”.

 

We all are struggling with this virus,

but beautifully it is strongly teaching all of us,

that the best thing we all have and strongly embrace

         is simply

                           Each Other.