By now we should be getting used to wearing masks, to staying six feet away from each other, carefully washing our hands plus staying at home as much as possible.  Being over 80 years old has made me more cognizant of following these guidelines for the Coronavirus pandemic. I have also been advised that my immune system has been comprised by the chemotherapy treatments I have received.

 

But this week I experienced what the virus has done to standards at our local hospital.  A member of my family was having surgery and here are the restrictions as listed for us. 

 

First we had to be quarantined for 72 hours prior to the surgery.  We were advised that only one person could accompany the patient.  When arriving at the hospital at six o’clock, the only individual allowed in the hospital was the patient, they took our phone number and we were directed to return to our car where we would remain and would be contacted by the staff as the procedure progressed.  He was taken to surgery at 7:30 a.m. and remained there until 9:45 a.m. at which time he was taken to the recovery room.  At that time the doctor called us to inform us about the surgery. He remained in the recovery room for about a hour and then was taken to his hospital room.

 

We were told by the staff that one person could stay in the room with him and it could not be me. Since we are creatures of habit it is hard to leave a family member alone and I guess this is when we call on our religious reserve.  Our family member stayed with him and was asked to leave at 7 p.m. I wondered all night if he woke up with the fear of being alone and how he dealt with it.  I do want to thank the doctor and hospital staff.

 

I wish I had some advice as to how you can observe the Fourth of July.  Whether it is an outdoor celebration or a vacation be sure to follow the virus guidelines. Happy Birthday to the USA. 

 

You might consider planting some vegetables or flowers in your yard.  I have enjoyed spending time watching the birds at my new feeder and chasing the squirrels as the try to get in the feeder.

 

Take care, stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”