A Pandemic at Christmas
Do you remember what it was like in December of 2020? Looking back, I remember the joy, chaos and fear all at the same time.
We were doing fairly well March thru November of that year, and then came December. I was still able to teach my voice students, virtually, while my husband’s patient load increased and decreased, as the news reported the changes across Texas and our country daily. That was until December when he tested positive for COVID-19.
What that change would do to our high functioning family I wasn’t sure, but it quickly became clear. Nurse, “cafeteria lady” as my good friend called it, cleaning lady, and trash collector — these were my new titles as I tried to keep my head on straight. Testing almost every other day became normal for several weeks for my adult children, who had come to quarantine in our home, and me. It was a joyful mess of emotions!
One thing I love about my relationship with my kids is that they get me. They know when I am stressed, irritated and tearful. All these qualities about their mom were evident as we tried to stay COVID-19 free and keep our Chris growing in strength.
Did I tell you in what room he was quarantined? Yep, you guessed it. Robert’s room — the safest room with its own bathroom and garage exit. When he was still at the hospital working with COVID-positive patients, it was very easy for him to enter and exit through that garage door to keep us safe. But now, it had become the room where I would often be reminded of the seclusion of Robert’s life. It was a medical wing that was piled high with memories I barely had the emotional stability to stand.
Would another family member, my husband this time, grow weaker and pass away in that room? There was no way to block the thought from my mind. When we talked with him each day through the help of some great technology, I kept remembering all the conversations we had about his very critical COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. How would I know what to do next? Would it be clear to me in the moment, or would death suddenly visit me in that room…again. I wanted him out of that room. And thankfully, he recovered completely and returned to treat his adult ICU patients after a few weeks.
Did December of 2020 rob you of your peace on some days? Did you watch loved ones suffer or tragically die? I know these words are raw and not very inspiring today, a year later. But I remember the pandemic in December of 2020 vividly.
Let’s not forget those rooms where we cared for our babies and our adult loved ones. Those rooms hold memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s also remember that most of them returned to us from those rooms. Not all, but most. So let us rejoice this December 2021, knowing we have such memories to encourage us to walk out of our own secluded rooms and get this stuff of life done!
We are blessed to be a blessing. Go be that. Happy December 2021!
Listening Library: Face of God (Phil Wickham)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV)
Face of God
Underneath the starry sky A mother holds a child tonight All is calm and all is bright She sings to Him a lullaby Gloria, I hear the angels singing Gloria All of the heavens ringing, Gloria The Savior of the world is in her arms She's staring at the face of God She looks upon the great I Am The gift of Heaven in her hands Born to save the sons of earth He was born to give them second birth Gloria, I hear the angels singing Gloria All of the heavens ringing, Gloria The Savior of the world is in her arms She's staring at the face of God The face of God Staring at the face of God Staring at the face of God Gloria, I hear the angels singing Gloria All of the heavens ringing, Gloria The Savior of the world is in her arms Gloria, I hear the angels singing Gloria All of the heavens ringing, Gloria The Savior of the world is in her arms She's staring at the face of God, the face of God
Writer(s): Phil Wickham, Shane Barnard, Shane Everett
Simply Global Songs (BMI) Phil Wickham Music (BMI) Sing My Songs (BMI)
(admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com)
Julie, it was a difficult time for all of us, stressful and true test of our faith. Anthony sold, bought to down size and moved 11-20-2020. Snow-*vid hit and I hit an all time spiral downward. Well, this is behind us new trials come our way, but focus is on is fixed on the author of each day.
I have been honored to write in Hillside Fellowship devotion for several years. I would love for you to enjoy how grateful we are for His grace. The site is hillsidefellowship.org.
May you and your family have a joyful healthy Christmas. Much love.