Thoughts and Prayers During a Difficult Time

[mom3]

Mom, how is your daughter doing?

Kate, thanks for asking. We crossed the first week point on Sunday. She can't taste or smell anything. And the cough is a killer. We are learning to count new blessings every day. The top one is - no fever. Every day she isn't hospitalized is a gift. We take turns on vigil with her. Social Media is a huge gift. We sometimes just sit and watch her breathe. It actually helps her sleep a bit.

We have always been a close connected family, but this has thrown us into overdrive. Her sister, Daughter1, gets ready for work every day - and is online with her while she is doing it. We check in with each other daily, especially with Daughter1 still working. I also find I cherish my own health deeper than before.

But our compassion is growing, too. I saw a small clip of local medical staff in scrubs and just burst into tears. The sacrifices they are making are incredible. I always appreciated medical helpers but now it's sooo much more.

Her "healed" date is scheduled for the 13th. We will know more then. Fingers are triple crossed.

[hawkgrrrl]

Mom3: I'm so sorry. That's the roughest thing, worse than being sick oneself.

My update. Nobody sick, thank goodness, but our business has taken a 40-50% hit on revenues. If we can obtain an SBA Loan (the forgivable ones), I won't have to lay off staff (which I really don't want to do). We already put everyone out working from home 3 weeks ago to limit interactions, and we have also done some things for our customers to keep them safe. It's just a huge hit to absorb in what was on track to be our biggest month ever, and given the seasonality in AZ, we rely on spring to get us financially through the rest of the year, so this is a hit that will keep hurting us until next spring.

[kate5]

Mom3- I'm so glad that you can still connect with your daughter over social media and that it is reassuring for you and her. It is also good news to hear that she doesn't have a fever. I hope by the 13th she is feeling much better and you can breathe a sigh of relief. I am also so grateful for healthcare workers, grocery store workers and all of those who still have to go out and work during this time.

Hawgirl- I'm sorry your business is suffering. This is such a hard time for everyone.

[Roy]

My employer is closed. I have been furloughed. I had hoped to use my sick leave during the closure (I have accumulated a large amount over the years) but that is not possible. I am registered for unemployment now. I suspect that my employer foresees a cash flow problem on the horizon. How can they continue to pay the essential staff or let everyone file for sick leave if there is no real income to speak of?

My employer is not one that would ever really close permanently but getting from where we are now to reopening day might require a cash infusion from somewhere.

[Minyan Man]

Roy, I'm sorry to hear that. Stay safe & know that this to will pass. Easy to say, I know.

[mom3]

Good luck Roy. My husband had to let his team go. It was really tough.

[Roy]

Thanks everyone. I know things are difficult all over. Hugs to you all in your individual struggles.

[nibbler]

Her "healed" date is scheduled for the 13th. We will know more then. Fingers are triple crossed.

How are things?

[Minyan Man]

It has been interesting to observe from a distance, the varying degrees of leadership in our Country. I'm not going to get into politics.
There are good & bad at all levels of our government. City, county, state & federal government. You can get into the military leadership too.
They can be ranked from exceptional to total incompetence. I'm sorry to say.

As I've said in another post: Don't forget to vote. (We will be hearing that a lot in the coming days, weeks & months.)

[Curt Sunshine]

I am fortunate to have a job that is considered essential, due to my employer and client base, with very little chance of reduced hours.

Virtual hugs for everyone.