Our family’s recent and first experience with COVID reminded me what’s truly important in life.
Yes, the dreaded COVID finally hit our family and I was a single parent for nearly two weeks.
Shortly after my sister’s funeral during the holidays, our family was longing for respite. No more bad news, please.
A few days later, the hubby came down with cold and flu symptoms and a fever – and a test confirmed he had COVID.
While I had no symptoms, I tested the next day to be safe. It showed a faint second line, meaning I had it too.
We kept T home until we were sure he had no symptoms and we tested him before we sent him back to school.
A lifetime of watching zombie apocalypse movies prepped me for this moment.
We immediately isolated the hubby in our bedroom and I slept in our guest room. We all masked indoors and I kept my interaction with T to a minimum until I tested negative two days after my positive test.
Still exhausted and processing from my sister’s funeral, I was extra sensitive of death and a part of me worried about the worst case scenario for the hubby.
I went into caregiver mode – sending reminders to the hubby to drink water and medicine, waking up at night to remind him to drink water, to take his temperature and to make sure he didn’t have breathing issues.
The hardest part for me was for 13 straight days, I did all of the hubby’s tasks, like dropping T off at school, doing T’s bath, and getting no breaks on the weekends.
It was exhausting! But you know what, I enjoyed the extra bonding time with T. Getting to play with him, see his morning routine and friends at school, meeting his CYW.
It reinforced to me about all that matters in life – our loved ones.
It reminded me about the things we often take for granted – second nature routines – like all the tasks my hubby does that I never worry about.
T was so good and empathetic. He was and still is a needy child, but I also saw his appreciation and care for his Daddy and I.
And to the single parents – some of whom are bloggers I follow and admire – kudos to you for doing this every single day!
Last Friday, I took a solo lunch break at our local mall’s food court. The hubby finally tested negative and I treated myself to this hearty bowl of ramen with chicken karage on the side.
Later that afternoon, as I drove T home from daycare, I shared the happy news that daddy was finally free of COVID.
T let out the loudest cheer and scream and almost bounced out of his seat.
When we drove up the driveway, he could not have ran out of the car fast enough.
His daddy was waiting at the door and after not hugging or much interaction for 13 days, they gave each other a long tight hug that seemed to last for a lifetime.
Serious
I know!
Sorry to hear that COVID finally got you and the hubby, especially around the holidays. It sounds like you were super prepared though and jumped into action to take care of the hubby and try to protect T from it. It does sound like it was exhausting though to take on the hubby’s tasks and responsibilities and have no breaks for nearly two weeks. It definitely makes you more appreciative of the chores and work he takes on. It sounds like it was a wonderful reunion once the hubby finally tested negative!
Thanks Linda. It was quite tiring and I have renewed admiration for parents who do this on their own. It reminded me to not complain so much about the 13 days. 😆 I truly hope this is our one and done experience with COVID. It’s why we still continue to mask in public outings.
Enjoy your week ahead!
Fingers crossed. This is the season for people to get sick!
It was very touching (pun partially intended) to see the long hug. Sorry you had to go through this ordeal, but glad you and T escaped and that hubby is good now! You guys need a bit of a break…
Thank you. The long hug really was a gift at the end of the two weeks. And yes, we’re looking forward to calmer days and weeks for the next while. March Break is around the corner. 🙏
I know, the hug finally brought that lump to the throat, eh?
You have some mighty strong shoulders Ab. You have been there for your Mom, sister, hubby and always T. I’m so sorry things have been so difficult for you. Now the bad things are done and you and your entire family can have some good times ahead. (((Hugs)))
Thanks Diane. That is very kind of you. I’m very lucky to have the hubby’s broad shoulders too. He’s really helped and would’ve done the same if the roles had been reversed and I was sick and out for two weeks. 🙂 Yes, let’s hope for better times ahead! 🙏🙏🙏
I’m so sorry all those bad things happened one after the other! That hug is so precious!
Thank you! It’s been a trying few weeks and months but hopefully we’re out of the woods for now. And that hug really was a great way to tie up that experience. 😊
Wow! Those must have been two weeks of pressure but you pulled through.
It was tiring but also rewarding. 😊 But I’m also glad it’s over. 😆 Thank you for your travel posts which helped take my mind to somewhere nicer and relaxing!
I’m glad to hear everyone is alright. But, ugh. You all have really been put through the ringer these past few months. I hope this weekend provides some relaxed family time!
Thank you. It was a ringer for sure but I know we’re not alone in these pandemic stresses. Just glad it’s over! 😊 Hope you and your family are doing ok as well during these trying times!
Hi AB, I hope your husband is feeling 100% soon. Even after the shot and boosters, my mom and I came down with COVID this past May. It wasn’t super horrible, but it wasn’t fun. It took us a few weeks to get back to normal – whatever that is 🤪
Thank you! We’re thankful it was not as bad as it could’ve been and are thankful we did the full suite of boosters too. It really does knock the wind out of you it seems. Hope you’re both better now too!
So, there is indeed a lesson we all can learn from watching zombie apocalypse movies! 😆 It must have been hard to suddenly have to do everything by yourself. But I’m glad the long wait is over and hubby no longer needs to isolate. The way T celebrates this is very heartwarming, and your way is very… mouthwatering! That ramen looks seriously good.
Thanks Bama. It was a bit exhausting to be honest so I’m glad it’s all over. The hardest part really was feeling like a disconnected family despite being in the same house. And yes I could use another bowl of ramen! It was very good. 😋
I’m so glad you and the hubby are both Covid-free now, and I’m really glad T didn’t get it! I keep hearing people say Covid is over, but the average daily death toll in the U.S. has increased from over 300 per day to 500+ per day over the past two months, so … how is it “over”? Take care, my friend!
Thank you, Jill. I can understand that everyone is fatigued and want to move on from the pandemic. But the stats tell a different story and we should all continue to be vigilant. I still mask when I go out but feel like it’s 50/50 right now.
Like you, even though I am fully vaccinated, I still wear a mask when I’m in public. A few people look at me with disgust, but … who cares? I have to look after myself and my family!
Oh my goodness! You guys really had it from all directions! But you persevered! Awesome! I do not know how single parents do it. EVER. I admire their strength. I admire your strength too! You made it! So happy you all are healthy again!
Thanks Rebecca. It was a bit of a gauntlet and I don’t want any more of it. Just want quiet for the next while. 😊 Hope you’re having a nice weekend and again, it was so nice to meet you virtually this week!
Those zombie movies are educational, if Thor had watched them then he would have stopped Thanos. Hang in there 🙏
Thanks Gary. That Thor is a bit of a goofball but we do love him. And probably a good thing he didn’t watch those zombie movies or it would’ve been a very short Marvel move!
Lovely pic Ab, I could feel that hug❣️
The hug truly was a special moment. Thank you! 😊💕
I am so glad your husband is on the mend. It sounds like a long process Ab. I always appreciate your positive, humorous, and loving outlook. That is the sweetest photo. <3
Thank you LaDonna. He was thankfully symptom free for many days leading up the negative test but we didn’t wanna take any chances so he kept isolating. It was nonetheless a worrying time as you read so many horror stories about it. Hope you are keeping well!
❤️It truly is.
Oh, I’m still laughing about, “A lifetime of watching zombie apocalypse movies prepped me for this moment.” Hilarious.
13 days is a long time!! I’m so glad to hear hubby is okay. But I think it might be worst to have single parenthood thrust on you unexpectedly than to actually be one because at least then you work up to it. And then to wonder every day if your hubby was okay and when it would be over. Sheesh!
I love how you are so great at uncovering what matters even in hard situations. Amazing! So glad you got a solo lunch in (one of my favorite ways to treat myself, BTW), and are all back together again!
Thanks Wynne. I genuinely don’t know how you do it – and you have two! 😆 13 days must seem like nothing for you.
Solo lunches are honestly the best. I love them. Especially after these mini gauntlets.
Have a nice weekend!
Mini gauntlet – great word for it, Ab! 🙂