Covid-2021: Embracing Life in the Slow Lane

“What does not kill me, makes me stronger.” -Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols

“When I am weak, then I am strong.” -Apostle Paul, II Corinthians 12:10

These two familiar quotes summarize my life in 2021 fairly well. After contracting Covid-19 in January 2021, the rest of the year has been an opportunity to embrace a different and much slower speed of life.

For example, I now need supplemental oxygen to maintain somewhere-near normal breathing. Even with the oxygen, taking a short walk to the bathroom or kitchen sends my heart racing and blood-oxygen levels plummeting, as I covered in a Covid story earlier this year.

Sadly, the number of Covid-19 deaths in the US this year just surpassed 2020.

Wall Street Journal reports, “The total number of reported deaths linked to the disease topped 770,800…more than twice the 385,343 Covid-19 deaths recorded last year, according to the death-certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

I feel fortunate to still be breathing, as a so-called Covid “long-hauler”.

According to WLWT in Cincinatti, “Millions of Americans who previously fought COVID-19 continue to deal with lingering symptoms. Local doctors tell WLWT more than 50 percent of people who contract COVID-19, known as long haulers, deal with lingering symptoms.”

I can related to Hinda Stockstill, 34, of Pleasant Ridge, Ohio who told WLWT, “I feel like every day has been in some ways Groundhog Day. I just wake up to the same issues every day… It’s definitely made me appreciate life. It’s a horrible experience, but it’s made me stronger and made me realize what’s really important to me.”

So true. “Disciplined reflection upon death adds meaning to the days we live,” as is covered in Chapter ten of my 2020 book, Blissfull Books & Ballads

For me, the key to breaking out of a “Groundhog Day” syndrome is by embracing all circumstances as part of a larger plan for my life.

In my case, doctors tell me that my best option for extending both my quality and quantity of life is by moving outside of my comfort zone, which has morphed from being a very active baby boomer to this year becoming a couch potato.

Presently, this equates to daily physical therapy for short-term improvement and pursuing a double lung transplant for long term survival.

The idea of breathing with another person’s graciously donated lungs was a rather startling notion at first. But upon further reflection, I am open to this option if the opportunity presents itself.

What better way to internalize the truth that “we are all one” with each and every life-giving breath.

Life in the slow lane led me to move into Desoto Beach Club, a senior Independent Living apartment in Sarasota, Florida in September. They provide three meals a day, weekly housekeeping, a variety of activities as well as an interesting cast of fellow residents — mostly ten and thirty years my elder. (Here is a poem/song co-written with a fellow resident, 99-year-old Ray Grandle; “Ode to Desoto”)

I’ve jumped into their program, starting up a bi-weekly spiritual growth discussion group and regularly serenading my fellow residents with Blisssfull Ballads in the Atrium. I even ventured out to a local “Clever Cup” coffee house this month to share my original songs at their weekly open mic night. Fun!

In 2021, I learned that I am stronger that I thought, despite having lost 70% of my lung capacity. I’ve learned to appreciate my breath… because it is what separates life and death… and to appreciate my health, because I now know how fragile it is… and how quickly it can change direction.

“Being human means embracing our brokenness as an integral part of life,” writes Parker J. Palmer. My family and friends teach me this more day by day.

I still enjoy the freedom of weekly shopping, despite dragging along a portable oxygen unit. I must plan my steps more carefully to sit and catch my breath. You could say I’m now forced to make extra time to smell the roses.

Thankfully, despite the many things that now slow me down, occasionally I still enjoy life in the fast lane, on the freeway in my convertible with top down!

Dearest family and friends… May 2022 bring us all a greater appreciation of what we have to be thankful for such as; good health, a loving family and friends, and hopefully, an inward prosperity of soul and spirit!

P.S. Here is a new song to help put the pandemic in perspective, also co-written with Ray Grandle: “Overcoming the Covid-19 Blues”

P.P.S. On March 10, 2022, I was notified of my acceptance as a double-lung transplant candidate by the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL following two-weeks of intensive testing in February to determine whether I am healthy enough for this major procedure. From the moment I arrived at the Mayo campus I felt a sense of peace… knowing that I was in good hands. Everyone from the greeters at the front door, to the wheelchair helpers, to the nurses and doctors all went the extra mile to show how much they care. All in all there were about forty appointments and procedures. I am now awaiting the transplant committee’s decision about whether I will be put on the UNOS lung transplant list. Regardless of the outcome, I was inspired to write a simple song of thanks for such an amazing Mayo experience… I call it “The Mayo Royal Treatment.”