Dodged it for over two years and then it snuck up on us.  All along I had been quite afraid of us getting it simply because the thought of Jacob being hospitalized was an awful fear.

We were happily living life and not aware of any of our close contacts having covid lately.  Falsely believing it was history, masks were put away, and sanitizing wasn’t the first thought after being in public. 

After a few days of all-day headaches, a nagging cough, and a scratchy throat, I decided to visit my doctor.  When the check-in nurse asked if I wanted to have a covid test, I answered, “sure, I’ve already had at least 4, might as well check” 

Mind you, we had a supply of covid tests at home.  It never crossed my mind to check.  Felt like I either had strep or a sinus infection.  Imagine my surprise when I got a text notification of the results:

I texted my man in shock that I had tested positive!  And immediately started worrying about Jacob.  His care requires direct close contact.  My doctor instructed me to go home and quarantine.  

The sore throat was my main complaint making me crave smoothies and ice cream. 

Two days later my man tested positive.  At that point, we felt like it would be miraculous if Jacob avoided it.  In our case,  Jacob’s swab proved he also had it so all three of us were taking it easy with differing but minimal symptoms. 

Thank the Lord, we managed very well with only mild fatigue and a lingering cough sticking around for a short while.  We had everything we needed!

Jacob was really good and easy those days.  Mainly enjoying mail, magazines, and chilling out in his room listening to music and watching tv. 

Within days of my positive test, many of our friends, some family, and acquaintances also got the latest variant.  We were part of an uptick and hope it was enough to keep us well for a while!

It did take a few things from us: 1) We had bought tickets to see a Christian Comedian in our area and didn’t get to go. 2) Much to my dismay and my husband’s joy, we didn’t get to participate in our annual neighborhood garage sale. 3) We missed a graduation celebration that was a really big deal. 4) And, a granddaughter’s flute recital. Bummed out but not beat down.

We have so much to be thankful for personally knowing too many who had a tough case.  And pray for the families of those we knew who weren’t spared, exchanging covid for their heavenly reward. 

No matter what surprises are thrown your way, it helps to slow down and take time to find the positives in your situation.  The convenience of ordering groceries online comes in super handy during quarantine!  A friend dropped off a meal that lasted for days.  Highlights were a Chicken and Rice Casserole and a Coconut Cake that both hit the spot.  Taking it easy at home meant more naps and reading time.  

And puzzles! I had quite the collection and figured there was no time like the present to exercise my brain.

Jacob loves the door puzzle. He watched it come together and studied it closely upon completion. I plan to try to hang it in his room for continued enjoyment. (Side note – Jacob loves that t-shirt and pulls it out to wear often – in case you noticed.)

Sometimes being forced to change plans and stay home can be a blessing.  

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:38

God is good.  God is good all the time.  All the time God is good.

Recently Jacob has started getting a can out of the pantry and bringing it to me.  The first time was a 2 lb. can of whole kernel corn.  That’s right.  Okay, maybe he will eat it.  I pointed to some other options but he was set on the corn.  So I opened it, spooned out a little, added some seasonings, and heated it.  That didn’t take long but by the time I offered it to him, he acted like I was crazy.  I convinced him to take a bite and he literally spit it out and handed it to me. 

The remaining corn went in a container and into the freezer for soup I’d make another day. 

The next two times he’s done it, he brought me this:

I suppose, there were no more cans of corn!

Now, I know without a shadow of a doubt that he doesn’t want Rotel Tomatoes. And I don’t believe there is any dish where I use them as an ingredient that he will eat. 

The first time I assumed, he was looking for a can of something else.  I offered him pineapple and he pushed it away.  Seemed a Hershey bar was really what he was hungry for—what Rotel had to do with that is a mystery.

Then a few days later, here he comes with the Rotel, again.  We went and looked in the pantry and I got out the pineapple chunks. 

Bingo.  I opened the can and spooned about a third in a bowl, rinsed the syrup off, and he got busy.  Repeat twice and he had eaten the whole can for an afternoon snack.

Communication comes in all forms.  The easiest thing for Jacob is to find what he wants and show us.  Sometimes it takes a time or two before we can figure it out.