As the Pandemic Spreads, So Can Our Thanks

Posted by fiesty76 @fiesty76, Nov 24, 2020

Many times over the past 8 mos, I've thought about how the wonderful members on these Mayo forums have made up an almost elite group in that we tend to be more conscious of and supportive of the measures recommended by our infectious disease experts as the pandemic has spread. Mayo Clinic, its staff and the wonderful supportive volunteer mentors of the Mayo Connect groups have proven a lifeline for many of us during this uncertain and frightening pandemic. Thanks to each of you and to the members in our forums for the time and efforts you've taken to keep us informed and encouraged.

Our state has been one of the worst in adhering to cautions from reputable public health experts and now my city, along with so many others throughout the U.S. are suffering the consequences of not only lack of available hospital beds but more importantly, lack of staff due to the horrific toll the virus has taken on those valiant warriors caring for the most ill.

This holiday, with my family safe and well out-of-state and more time to spend considering my "gratitudes", I'm sending notes of appreciation to each of my docs and their staffs for their "extra" efforts during this exceptionally difficult period in our history. It only takes a postage stamp and a few minutes to write a thank you to those who are daily putting themselves and their families at risk by caring for the rest of us.

I'm also thinking of our postal workers, vets, pharmacists and utility service workers who make sure we continue to receive the services we depend upon but rarely take an opportunity to thank. Maybe the approaching December holidays will provide an opportunity to thank them and others as well?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 6, 2020

What a nice message from you, Fiesty76. Thank you. I'm only now feeling the huge lift off my back, my life. I suppose I have hope for the first time, that I will actually have a life, a future - I was working on accepting a pretty dire future. Been working on acceptance for several years, especially since I've been mis-diagnosed with MS and Parkinson's for over 12 years. I've lost so much time. Now, I can begin to live again, I can breathe and smile a real smile. Amazing feeling. I refuse to look back at the lost years. I'm only looking at this moment, this day and whatever the Good Lord has for me. I know He got me to Mayo!! I believe He got me to Connect...and to you. I'm very much alone. That's been an overwhelming emotion as I dealt with my mother for those years, whom I adored. And now, helping my disabled 53 year old son - dystonia since age 35. Now, we can work together to improve his present, get him to Mayo and to the treatments he needs. I'm so blessed. So thankful. I'm ckg out the 2 forums you mentioned. They sound interesting. Thank you for being here.

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Dec 7, 2020

@ess, As a longtime primary caregiver not only for my mom for 15 yrs, who was an amazing woman...never complained even to the last with her painful, debilitating illnesses, as well as my older sister who was mentally impaired and a nephew who became paraplegic from a tragic car accident, there were many years when I truly thought I'd never experience true freedom from the constant care of these family members. I share this only to emphasize how deeply I can relate to your new found exhilaration at your great news.

Like the first morning waking up feeling much better after days of being miserably ill, experiencing the joy you describe is one we can all celebrate!

I also appreciate your spirit of gratitude and your "can do" resolve going forward as you care for yourself and your son. Looking forward to your future posts.

ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 7, 2020

Thank you so much. You do truly understand. My goodness, what a feelng of thankfulness, gratitude, for you and this gift of Mayo, of Connect. Blessings to you.