It happened so quickly. I just got done celebrating my birthday on the 29th of July. I took all the precautions. Mask. Vaccines updated (had to anyway for work). Social distancing. I was starting to become comfortable with the pattern. Get ready to leave the house: Phone. Wallet. Mask. Keys. Winning personality. Only take my mask off outside and away from people or to take a drink and eat. I knew this didn’t make me immune. All these precautions were just that, precautions, but after just one birthday, where I decide not to spend it in isolation like my last 3 birthdays had been, I woke up during the night with a terrible fever, a headache, ear aches and the worst sore throat I have ever had in my life. I didn’t have to wait long for the Rapid Antigen Test to show me I was positive for Covid. Soon after, my husband tested positive. We slept in separate rooms and wore masks 24/7. We did not have any physical contact and the bathroom was used one at a time. Glen 20 pretty much became the air we breathed, I swear.

Sigh.

It couldn’t have come at the worst time. I had a couple of workshops to do. I was getting ready to do some more work through Western Sydney Rainbow Connections. AND, the first Inclusive Writing Group was starting at Penrith Library. I hated the emails I had to send through my fevers. I don’t even remember typing them all, but so many cancellations. Luckily, Penrith Library helped me by changing the date for the first one. In fact, it’s tonight! I look forward to starting this monthly group. I really think it will help keep many people motivated as well as have a social setting with other writers who love the craft.

Today I tested negative and I’m grateful. With sacrificing socialising and financially, my husband and I have pushed through and though a slight sore throat remains, our chest hurts from coughing and headaches appear every now and then, we are doing well.

Sending out my sincere apologies to those inconvenienced (though probably not as much as I was being sick and all) by my sudden isolation. I look forward to returning to the public tonight with the First Writing Group Meet Up. I’ll be facilitating this one (temporarily tonight but will return to the first Tuesday of the Month) and the next one and then from there on I’ve got a monthly group to go to! Though, I’ll talk with other members today, I’m hoping to make it two a month (albeit even if the second one is online).

Special thank you to Dee, who checked in on me daily and reminded me that I was missed. A huge thank you for everyone’s patience with me in my silenced isolation. I was focusing on getting well and quickly. (Though I’m sick of the sight of my bedroom. It might need a remodelling very soon.) Special thank you to the Chosen Family, who offered to deliver groceries, though we didn’t take you up on the offer, we appreciate your willingness to help.

Just a reminder. Vaccinate. Mask up. Social distance. Look after yourself and when you’re unwell, stay at home. There were a few days I was terrified with how bad it was getting for me and my husband. I don’t want to lose them. We have so many adventures to take!

And for those of you unable to attend this evening due to scheduling conflicts or you are sick as well, that’s okay, there’s no falling behind in this group. Keep an eye on this space!

And if you’re feeling generous, we’ve lost a lot of work due to covid, so please, if you’re able, feel free to donate! Details on my KoFi link!

Keep writing!