Girls Day…
It’s Friday, December 10, 2021, and my little sister/cousins and I have taken the day off to hang out together. We used to get together regularly for Sunday dinner, but life and distance have gotten in the way of that. They didn’t realize it, but it’s fitting that we chose today for our date. Why? Well, today I’m celebrating my one-year anniversary. Not from marriage, I’ve been married for over 12 years. I’m celebrating being Covid free and feeling pretty darn good. December 10, 2020, I realized I had Covid, and things got really bad really fast. I lost my energy and my voice. I’ve had surgery and missed family events. I’ve needed a chair to cook and help to make it up and down the stairs in my home. I’ve taken physical and speech therapy; I’ve used a walker and now have a handicap decal. At times, I nearly lost my will, but GOD! I’ve spent the last year fighting to get my life back. There are so many people who lost their lives from this horrific virus, so I was determined not to ever wallow in my feelings for too long. I definitely had some bad moments, but I knew that God left me around for a purpose, and that gave me the will to keep pushing.
Before heading to meet the girls, I decided to share a testimony online to show my progress. I was really excited for my family back home to see the video, because the last time they saw me, I could barely walk. So, in the video, I did just that, walked up and down my stairs while talking. Something that seems so simple. Something that I’ve taken for granted for so long, but something that for the last year had been near impossible for me to do. After sharing a bit of my story, I was on my way. The girls and I met for lunch and then went shopping. They were worried about me being able to walk around the outlets, but I did just fine. It had been so long since I had just been out enjoying the fresh air and shopping in person. We wrapped the evening with more girl talk and food, and I finally headed home around 9. The joy I felt from being able to be out and about all day and still have energy by nightfall was inexplicable. Today, really was a good day.
Christmas…
We spent the weekend before Christmas visiting friends and family in Tennessee. It had been a while since we had been there, and it’s always nice seeing my husband back home in his element. Although Cleveland, TN is a short drive from where we live in Georgia, I was still happy that I didn’t feel fatigued after our drive. We went shopping one last time while there, and I was finally finished Christmas shopping. I was so behind this year. One week until Christmas and I was still shopping! Ever since Preston was born, I can’t even start thinking about Christmas shopping until after I buy his birthday gifts. Then, it’s super hard to turn around and shop big the next month. For the last few years, we have collected money for his birthday and deposited it into his IRA, and saved the gifts for Christmas, but this year, he asked for his money and gifts to come to him for his birthday. Guess that’s what happens when they start growing up…
Christmas day was low-key at home with me and my guys. We got up early, opened gifts and I made breakfast. Later, I warmed up a meal we had picked up from Honey Baked Ham store, enjoyed some family time, and finished packing. That’s right, we’re going to Kansas City, Kansas City here we come! I’m always excited to go home and see my family. I moved away at the age of 18 to attend college and never looked back. That was hard for them and me, being that I’m the baby girl. Everyone expected me to move back after college, and when I didn’t, they were all shocked. Some even tried to persuade me to move back home a few times over the next several years. Like many college students, I struggled to find a job and support myself after school. I wasn’t calling home for support, but they knew I didn’t have much money and they didn’t like the idea that I was so far away. I didn’t want them to worry but knew they did. I also knew that my achievements would mean a lot more to me if I got there on my own. They are now proud of the life that I have been able to make for me and my family.
Kansas City…
Late Christmas night, we hit the road for our 13-hour drive to Kansas City (K.C.). I had been feeling a lot better since the end of October; however, a part of me couldn’t help but wonder how my body would feel after 13 hours in the car. I remembered how I felt pretty good before our trip in September, but after our drive to K.C., my body shut down. Nevertheless, instead of harboring negative thoughts, I said a prayer and decided to accentuate the positive. We drove through the night and early Sunday morning pulled into my daddy’s driveway. I had been testing my legs the whole trip, but this was the big one. I opened the door and stepped onto the driveway without support. I was as tired as anyone would be after a 13-hour drive, but other than that, I felt great. I hugged my daddy tight and went inside. Not wanting to overdo it, we spent Sunday at the house and entertained family who came to visit. With ear-to-ear grins, my family raved about how much better I looked. Day after day I soaked in the family love, and as always, didn’t want it to end. The trip was just what I needed to close out a tumultuous year and look forward to brighter days ahead. I still have a few hurdles to cross, but I’m confident that with God, I will see the finish line!
Authors note: To all those battling Covid in one way or another, find comfort in realizing that you’re around for the battle! Remember my story as you keep fighting and know that you too are already victorious!
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Our Narrative Matters family would like to thank Areia Cobb for her inspirational writing as she shared her road to recovery from COVID-19 and how being a COVID-19 Long Hauler affected every aspect of her life; as a wife, mother of two active boys and a working professional. Redemption is her final entry in this series. It is our hope that these journal entries provided hope, inspiration and information as you or your loved one walked through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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