From the Anthology
Pandemic Reflections: Five Years Later
Be kind to yourself.
The neurologist’s words hit me like a ton of bricks, a shot through the heart, an anvil on the head in a Saturday morning cartoon.
That’s my advice. Be kind to yourself. This virus is still new, we don’t know what the long-term effects look like. Be kind to yourself.
Dr. Sad Eyes wrapped up our video call, telling me to reach out if I develop new symptoms or have more questions.
I have so many questions about so many things, but this half-hour neurology consult wasn’t nearly enough time to discuss them all.
Will I ever be able to find the right words again?
Will my perfume ever smell pretty again?
Will coffee ever taste good again?
Will I ever feel like me again?
It’s been eight months since I slept 20 hours a day, lost 15 pounds, couldn’t muster the energy to leave my bed for 10 straight days.
Will I ever feel like me again? Be kind to yourself.
Thank you, Dr. Sad Eyes. I’ll try.
Susan Beech didn't get to go to Italy in May 2020 as planned, but she did get Covid later that year. Five years later, she's not sure if her lingering brain fog is from Covid, menopause, or aging in general, but she eventually made it to Italy, and it was amazing. She's currently working on a memoir.
