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You know I've not taken off my mask and likely never will. Even at dinner tonight, the patio doors were closed (it's very cold an windy in L.A. right now, so I understood, but still...), but we sat in line with the open door and I was thankful for the high ceilings. Friends know, I want to sit on the patio or as close to it as possible, rain or shine. If I go to a museum or exhibit, mask is on. Grocery store, mask is on. Inside my office building and elevator or in a car with friends I deeply love -- MASK IS ON! You have an ally in me, even if we are in different counties/worlds. Be proud to be the one that stands out, Jackie. You're smarter than the masses. And that wisdom benefits not only you. Here's to remaining NOVIDS, my friend. xo

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At this point, it’s not so much what other people think thats at the root of my anger (unless it’s people treating me like I’m unreasonable for still trying to be safe and gaslighting me. That really pisses me off). I have a milestone birthday this year and I’m angry that my life may never be the same again and I fear I may never be able to do the things I want to do again because of this stupid virus. Thank you as always for the encouragement and cheers to us NOVIDs lol.

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I really hope you get to do the things you want to do, Jackie. It make take a little more work (and a lot of precautions) but I hope you get to do them. But, yeah, if we had a different leader at the time, I doubt we'd be in this mess. xo

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If only we could clone you and Jackie! My husband is a cautious NOVID too.

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I *am* the Matt Damon in this version of CONTAGION, dammit! LOL. xo

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🤣🤣

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Thank you for including my link here, Jackie, but moreover, thank you for putting into words what so many of us are feeling right now. I continue to be astounded that most people are walking around maskless and carefree, having had COVID 1-4 times by now, not understanding the risks they are taking. Someone I know today was telling me how fatigued they’ve been, how they can’t seem to get out of bed. I asked how many times they had COVID, and they responded with “twice - that I know of.” The dots just aren’t being connected, and partly that’s the fault of the media and our governments for not driving home the facts as we know them by now - that repeat infections increase risks for all sorts of brain, heart, and lung problems, as well as gut problems, the blood clotting issues, and muscle dysfunction.

Big hugs to you, Jackie. Find your circle of people who will take any precautions you ask of them; I have had my friend pool narrowed, but I have many who still think it’s worth it to see me under any conditions I ask.

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Thank you for reading and for the reinforcement that I’m not “unreasonable” for still taking this seriously. I don’t know I’ll ever stop being mad that our government just declared the whole pandemic over even though it very much isn’t. Big hugs to you too!

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Long Covid. Sucks. Pretty sure my Dad is suffering from this right now. He's never been the same since he got it in 2020 and ended up in the hospital for 10 days because of it. Ugh. I get it though, espesh with all the naysayers out there.

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Ugh I’m so sorry your dad got it (especially after being in the hospital for 10 days. That was enough on its own). I’ve heard so many stories of people getting it, mostly people who have no underlying health conditions before. My friends dad had some symptoms that stuck after he had it too. It’s definitely a beast I don’t want to have to fight.

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Thanks so much for writing this Jackie. It really resonated with me and I felt understood as you described your anger about the COVID situation and ongoing denial about it. I feel like people have "moved on" to the detriment of many and ignoring the disparate impact on people with health concerns and disabilities. Sometimes I feel angry, sometimes just sad. It is comforting to share these emotions with others and know that I am not alone. Sending support your way.

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Thank you Kelly! I hate how we’re still having to deal with this but I’m so thankful many of us feel the same too and aren’t alone in our feelings. It’s angering and sad just like you said.

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Right there with you.

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I'm sorry you are going through this. Your anger is definitely understandable!

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Thank you Chris!

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