BUMMED. That singular word describes my feelings just days before Christmas…because I’m sick. Thursday evening I tested positive for COVID, after testing negative the day prior.
This afternoon my son flew in from Boston. The plan was to pick him up at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. Instead, Randy is at a local pharmacy picking up Paxlovid and cough medicine for me. Our eldest picked up her brother at the airport.
I haven’t seen Caleb since August. I was anticipating our reunion, how we would embrace quickly before placing his luggage in the van for the ride to our Faribault home. Instead, he’s staying with Amber and family a 35-minute drive away. He may as well be in Boston.
Tomorrow my extended family is gathering for Christmas. I, of course, will miss that.
These things happen. Illness is never convenient. Especially during the holidays. For now, my focus is on getting better. My body does not handle viruses well. I’ve experienced debilitating long haul COVID. I lost the hearing in my right ear due to a virus. I had whooping cough at the age of 48.
Coughing kept me awake last night. Just when I would be nodding off, the coughing would start. It’s not nearly as bad as the coughing I experienced during three months of pertussis. But it’s bad enough.
Hopefully in a few days I’ll be doing better…feeling well enough (and non-contagious) to gather with loved ones later next week. For now, I’m keeping my distance. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s Christmas by spreading COVID.
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FYI: I’d encourage you to click here and read a story on MPR about the current rise in COVID, RSV and flu cases in Minnesota. Whooping cough is also at a high in our state. Stay well, my friends. And stay home if you’re showing signs of illness.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
So sorry to hear COVID is ruining your wonderful holiday plans. Praying the medication will get you back on track soon. It’s a blessing Caleb has your daughter’s home to stay in.
Thank you, Bernadette. Yes, I am thankful for Amber picking Caleb up at the airport and inviting him into her home. Already I’ve gotten a darling photo of my grandson Isaac sitting on Uncle Caleb’s lap.
sending fast healing vibes ..
Thank you so much.
I am so sorry to hear this. prayers
for recovery fast!!
Thank you, Kathy. I have the most caring readers, you among them.
Oh No Audrey! I’m so sorry. That hurts…not being able to see Caleb right away. Will pray for a speedy recovery.
Thank you, Valerie. I know you’ve been through a similar situation of getting COVID and then unable to be with loved ones.
So sorry to hear that you are sick right before Christmas. We are all down with something as well. I suspect that it’s the dreaded virus since I lost all sense of smell yesterday. Will be keeping you in my prayers for a speedy recovery
I’m sorry to hear all of you are ill. And, yes, it does sound like COVID. Prayers for your healing, too. All of you.
So sorry you have covid. There is never a good time to get it, but especially now. So glad your son was able to make his flights to Minnesota. You are in our thoughts and prayers. (We got it again about 5 weeks ago.)
Thank you, Mark. The interesting thing is that Randy had COVID in October and I never got it. Figure that out. I’m sorry you also had COVID recently.
Get well soon. Hoping you can enjoy your loved ones.
Thank you, Ken. I am doing much better. Paxlovid helped tremendously by mostly stopping my coughing. Hopefully I will continue on this healing path and be able to see my son soon and enjoy Christmas with my family.
I’m so sorry for the timing of this, I know you were so excited to get together with your family. my hope for you is that this bout of covid goes easy on you. ❤
Thank you, Beth. Thus far, I seem to have a mostly mild case, or at least mild since starting Paxlovid. Hopefully my long haul COVID will not flare. Time will tell.
oh dear oh dear oh dear. So this early morning I get back to blog following and yours is the first I see and I am not clicking the like button! I am sorry for what you are going through Audrey. I hope the coughing eases and you can be with your family soon. How tremendously disappointing that you got sick, just as the Christmas gathering in was to start.
hope you feel better soon. Bummed sums it up perfectly. ❤️
Thank you, Ruth. Except for a coughing spell in the middle of the night last night, I am primarily cough-free. Paxlovid basically eliminated the coughing. I’m hopeful I can soon be with my family.
Sorry to hear about you getting sick, Audrey. Get well soon and stay positive.
Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your well wishes.
Good morning and happy solstice Audrey K H native to the prairies and lakes of southwest MniShota Makoce and current resident of A’dekti, the dwelling place of Alexander Faribault, according to the history the Dakhota Maps gifted by Marlena Myles, Dakota Artist. They can be downloaded for free at https://marlenamyl.es/project/dakota-land-map/ Pidamiya, thanks for sharing your healing journey on your regular blog, and inviting us all to be proactive and keep our immune systems strong. Trust the Pavlovid will support you in a rapid recovery. We had our last Covid 19 event, in Sept and now fully healed. Sending healing vibes and energy your way – inviting wicozani “balanced health” wo wokiya “surrounded by the abundant life, that is Creation” Blessings on your healing journey from Dr Tom W, recovering short person and native of A’Dakti, Faribault, in Dakota .
Tom, I always appreciate your sharing about the Dakota and for your deep care of people, including me. You are simply a kind and caring individual whom I feel blessed to “know.” I appreciate your healing message. And, yes, Paxlovid worked! I am so grateful for that med. Be well, my friend.
Merry Christmas from rainy San Francisco Audrey! I was so sorry to hear that COVID has prevented you from having the holiday reunion with your family to which you were so looking forward (trying hard to avoid ending on that preposition here :). I hope before your son returns to Boston, you’ll have the chance to be together. I hope you’ll be feeling better soon.
Thank you for your holiday and healing wishes. I am doing quite well and am hopeful I can see Caleb and the rest of my family (with the exception of my pregnant daughter and her husband in Madison, WI.) soon. Paxlovid made all the difference for me in kicking the coughing part of COVID and much more. From sunny Minnesota, Merry Christmas!
How rotten that Covid has delayed your reunion with your son. Here’s hoping you recover in time for the day itself, so meanwhile keep snug and warm, and watch A Christmas Carol movie- just the thing to cheer you up. I recommend the 1951 version, available free on YouTube, or the Muppet Christmas Carol as the most heartwarming.
Judith, thank you for your sweet wishes. I think, based on how I’m doing now, that I can be with my family for Christmas. In the meantime, I’m reading a lot, resting and trying to stay positive. Today I may go for a walk, just to get out of the house. (I’ll stay away from people.)
Prayers, Audrey…praise be you sound better! must be all this good advice you’re receiving and taking. I was sorry to see the FLS Christmas service moved to Jan. Those were special times in the old church. No mic’s or cue cards, the balcony had to hear our readings! Enjoy and hug Caleb for all of us! We’re all on zoom this year.
Sandra, thank you for your loving words. I just posted an update to share that I am doing well. I will see Caleb on Christmas Day.