Last Tuesday, I drove to the newspaper office with a huge smile on my face. I simmered with the joyful anticipation of a child on Christmas morning, as this was my first outing outside my home, other than to visit a doctor, in a month. I was thrilled to return to the job I love and some semblance of normalcy.
You see, for the month of December, I was confined to my bed and administered intravenous antibiotics after an infection developed in the tissue of my leg. The infection caused much pain and swelling and was not something I anticipated as I prepared for the Christmas holiday, especially when I have never endured a serious medical condition.
For a month, I lay in my bedroom with its dark blue walls, watching Masterpiece Theatre programs and the entire nine-year series of “The Office.” My husband, Keith, was a fantastic nurse, administering my daily IV medication and keeping the house standing, and my seven-year-old son, Dean, took pride in “taking care of Mommy,” and entertained me with a multitude of Christmas movies.
My sister, Stephanie, who lives in Florida, traveled to Mississippi a week early for the holidays to help care for me in my semi-mobile state, and my sister, Deana, made repeated visits to Carrollton from DeSoto County to see how I was doing.
I celebrated my 46th birthday, Christmas, and New Year’s during my recuperation, however, I was not alone. My family made sure the celebrations went on, even if I spent them in bed.
My wonderful newspaper team – LaKeadra Coffey, Marsha Alexander, Andrea Cooper, and Dani Poe – jumped right in to ensure everything was done at the newspaper office, and Karen Fioretti, my dear friend and publisher of our sister paper in Kosciusko, worked double duty, producing my two papers in addition to hers each week while I was out. I can’t express my gratitude enough to these wonderful women, as they picked up my workload and allowed me to focus on recovering.
Isn’t it amazing how grateful we become of the little things when they are suddenly taken away? When something reduces your life to expanse of one room?
I became micro-aware of all of my many blessings -- the people I love.
My sweet husband fetched and carried and followed medication schedules. He handled school pickup and drop off, helped with homework, prepared meals, put up Christmas decorations, and picked up groceries and prescriptions. What’s more, he comforted me when I was discouraged, held my hand through tests and doctors’ visits, and cheered on each and every improvement.
My sisters brought me hours of laughter and made sure the holidays went on as planned. They picked up the slack when needed and gave Keith a welcomed break from nursing duty. Most of all, their visits brought big smiles to Dean, as they doted and spoiled him (which they have done every day of his life).
For those of you who know me best, I love my job and truly enjoy working. The idea of stepping away from the newspaper office, even if I had no choice, was tough to swallow. I am blessed with a wonderful team of co-workers and dear friends and colleagues. As someone needlessly pointed out for me, “You have some amazing friends.” I couldn’t agree more.
I was also blessed with some wonderful local healthcare professionals. Many thanks to nurse practitioner Maggie Taylor with Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital and the clinic and hospital staff. Also, many thanks to the dedicated nurses at Sta-Home for affording me the opportunity to remain at home with my family during the holidays.
So, 2020 is gone, and 2021 is spread out before us. Usually, I set goals and make plans and set high resolutions no one could possibly accomplish. This year, my focus is different. I simply want to be healthy and enjoy time with all “my little blessings.” As the COVID-19 pandemic goes on, it is likely I’m not alone in what I hope for 2021.
I wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year!
