As much as we all might have wished it, turning the calendar page from 2020 to 2021 did not lead to the end of conflict and difficulty. Not for me, anyway. There’s good news and bad news about that.
The bad news is that hard times are continuing. The good news is that the story’s not over yet and things will get better.
Covid’s got a hold on me
I was fortunate to avoid any great personal impact due to the worldwide pandemic for almost all of 2020. Then, on December 8th, my dear father-in-law was struck suddenly with Covid and passed away. As awful as this was, our situation made it even more complicated.
We’d just moved to Germany, still living out of suitcases in a hotel, and barely out of a two-week quarantine. The country was in lockdown, holiday closures were in effect, and an unaccustomed amount of snow continued to fall into the landscape. All this, while trying to accomplish a monumental list of logistical tasks made more difficult by Covid restrictions, tasks that needed to be done before leaving to attend the funeral in the States.
By the grace of God and the help of many good people, we were just able to complete the necessary items and get on a jam-packed plane out of Munich on January 2nd. The sad occasion was made joyous, however, in the time spent with family and our faith that death is not the end.
And Covid isn’t letting go
After a week in the States, we returned to Germany to begin our second period of quarantine. Eight days in, my husband began experiencing viral symptoms. We got tested and confirmed positive for Covid, resetting our quarantine.
He was very ill for several days while I cared for him, and then I got sick—positive for Covid—putting us into our fourth quarantine. Not a fun time. And meanwhile, we’ve spent nearly two entire months in isolation in a new country, new neighborhood, where we’re meant to be starting a new chapter of our life.
My husband hasn’t been able to go into work at his new job. We’re still living out of suitcases in an empty house because the movers can’t bring our household goods until we’re out of quarantine and return a negative test result. And some pesky problems have arrived, like faulty heating in the house during record-breaking cold and snow and pipes bursting under the street in front of the house, shutting off the water supply and churning up a mountain of red mud.
And my writing computer went kaput.
Still, blessings abound
The challenging situation has been made bearable by the help of so many good people. Near-strangers have brought groceries to our doorstep to sustain us when we can’t go out. People we barely met before leaving for the funeral have provided blankets and space heaters to get us through the cold snap and Covid chills.
Despite the difficulties, I’ve managed to write and submit four stories to editors during this time and make some good progress on outlining my next novel. I can’t wait to get back into a good writing routine and finish some of these projects I’m very excited about.
I believe that in life, as in story, conflict builds character and leads to a glorious conclusion. That’s what I’m holding on to. Come what may, and love it.
How about you? Has the pandemic brought new challenges into your life? Opened up new blessings and opportunities? Tell us about it in the comments.
Jocelyn, so sorry to hear of all your troubles, but admire your can-do spirit. I am adding you to my prayer list. May God bless your recovery and return to writing. Happy to report that I published both a short story book and a book of poetry and song lyrics on Amazon the last quarter of 2021, so staying close to home last year had its benefits, in spite of moving house and other challenges with Covid. Blessings on you and yours.
Thank you, Peggy! I’m so glad you came by to read and comment, and congratulations on your book publications! Very exciting, and I wish you all the best going forward. Also, I thank you for the prayers and good thoughts.
Hi Joslyn,
Oh my, I have no complaints compared to your many trials. My oldest daughter did come down with the Covid and pneumonia but has come through and back to her new job as a teacher. I’m very proud of her. I didn’t even know she was sick until she finally called me. By that time she was on the mend. Her husband took great care of her.
I feel lazy in that I don’t have stories out there. I’m still writing but nothing seems to get very far. You are an inspiration. Thank you and take care. I hope you will all be better soon and out of quarantine.
Hi Judy, thank so much for reading and supporting my efforts here. I’m glad your daughter’s okay, and you have every reason to be proud of her. Teachers ROCK! Don’t get down on yourself for not having any stories “out there.” Keep writing and learning and when you’re ready, it’ll all happen. Thanks, again!
I feel for you, and I hope your hubby is doing much better. I just bought the anthology on the theme of Hope after the notice for Justin Boote, and I see you are in there. That’s a hopeful sign!
Hi, Mike! Thanks, we’re both doing much better and relieved to be on the downhill slide after Covid. Yes, there’s always Hope. Enjoy the book, and thanks for purchasing!
Thank you so much for putting up the post. Felt very sad to learn about the new move and Covid traumas and loss of your dear father in law. So glad you could attend the funeral services. hope both of you have regained your strength.
It is true that under all odds shines the light of blessings which you received from family and neighbours. Also, good to know that you completed your books, which was amazing!
We had to be resilient too during Covid as we moved to Sweden to be with my only son. So had to overcome the long dark winter. But the night skies were enchanting and they opened up my mind to write. Now, passing through the coldest months and snow, which looks white and serene.
I completed my book of poems, have yet to send it in after editing is over. I hope I gain the courage to do so.
Blessings and happiness,
Sincere regards,
Tahmina
Hello, Tahmina! So good to hear from you, and thank you for reading and responding. Wow, Sweden! You definitely can relate to my big move, but I am glad the night skies are inspiring you and I wish you the best with your book of poems. Exciting things await!
So very sorry for you and your husband’s loss. May God bring you comfort during this time. So glad to hear you are recovering from covid as many were not as blessed. May you make many good friends during your stay in Germany.
Hello, Pam. Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and respond by wishing me well. Nice to have you around!
Hello Joslyn.
May God bless you and your family with comfort and peace as you move through resolving this
accumulation of stressful events.
I always enjoy your posts and gain hope for myself as I move toward my goal to be a successful author. I’m retired and widowed, suddenly on my own, and am just getting started on my new life. Managing during this pandemic has been a trick for us all and what you have gone threw makes me feel so lucky. I have a new sense of hope for life.
Thank you for sharing. Aaba
Hello Aaba, thank you so much for reading, and for your kind comments. I’m glad you enjoy my posts and I wish you the best in your own writing endeavors. Have you read the articles I write for The Write Practice? They are targeted more for writers, whereas I try to keep these posts targeted for my readers. There’s a lot of good information and inspiration there for writers.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.