I think we have made it to the other side? (Fingers crossed)

Meri Kirihimete & an update from us

We are finally home! So, our first holiday in almost three years did not go that well! But I think we are on the other side of it now.

We got Covid 19 almost immediately on our long-awaited holiday. So, we have just finished eight days (or was it nine days? Days blurred into one) isolating in a hotel room with two double beds in it.

The one room with four of us - all sick - was about as good as you can imagine it was. How did people do two weeks in a hotel room with kids? Amazing. And I guess that’s what I want to briefly say (I know it’s Christmas Eve, but I’ve missed writing - and I will try to be brief, I know that’s not something I’m good at - being brief!)

Covid 19 was brutal on all of us. But Eddie and Ham did so well. Eddie’s levels were very difficult to manage. But we managed. And I felt terrible giving him injections of insulin (insulin was like water for him! It almost had no impact) when he was so feverish and ill. Diabetics really never get a break. He also said the needles hurt much more - which I can understand. When you’re really sick, being poked and prodded would be awful.

Hammy had a lot of fevers but coped really well too. He was quite funny - on one of the days Eddie was crying saying he wanted to go home. We calmed him. And then I said to Ham “how are you doing?” and he happily said, “I don’t know what’s going on”. I started to apologise; I was sure I’d explained why we were in iso. And as I did, he said: “Can I change it?” A bit confused, I said no. And he said: “Then I don’t need to know”. And he put his headphones back in and kept playing his game. I mean….is this…? THE SECRET?! OF! LIFE?!

Ham averaging out 12 hours of screen time a day lol

I was probably the worst. I still don’t feel well. My husband has been fine for at least three days which has been helpful because my brain is so foggy.

In all honesty, I feel lucky that we dodged Covid for as long as we did. I also feel lucky that we had (and have) all that we need when so many don’t.

I feel incredibly grateful that Eddie had it now - with three vaccines on board working their magic and anti-virals available - instead of in the first wave which was so much more dangerous.

Or even the second or third wave.

Eddie’s paediatrician once said - “every day you don’t catch Covid is an achievement - just take it day by day” and that’s what we did.

We know so much more about this rotten virus now and the team of five million helped us get to this point and for that I’m just so wildly thankful. There aren’t even really words for it.

All those people who stayed in hotels for two weeks! All those people who birthed alone. Who missed tangi and saying goodbye to loved ones. All those people who had to lockdown on their own and who lost jobs and businesses and livelihoods. All those people who had to cancel their weddings or have birthdays alone. Those who wore masks even when they felt overwhelmed or ill wearing them…. Those who overcame their fears around injections and vaccines to help each other.

We forget how much we all did for each other. How much others are still doing despite the widespread apathy out there.

Thanks to those people - we got through this as a family with a medically fragile child.

I really hope this Christmas people test before they see family and isolate for seven days if they’re positive and stay home if they’re showing symptoms (even if the RAT says negative). Covid is not a good present to give someone. Please know if you’re in a hotel or Air B&B and cannot drive home without stopping - your Air B&B and hotel is required to provide you with an additional seven days which you pay for and your travel insurance (please get travel insurance with Covid cover) covers. Please don’t fly home with Covid 19, you’re exposing everyone around you to a deadly virus that has killed 64 people in the last seven days alone.

Anyway - I am grateful for this little community we have where we all look out for each other. I appreciate it so much. It’s a reminder of all the good out there…

I hope you have a wonderful break and if you celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a relaxing day (haha). We have cancelled our Christmas plans and to be honest it’s quite nice knowing the only thing we must do is give presents!

And my husband said last night - if we can get through eight days in a tiny room like that, with Covid 19, we can get through anything. I agree!

I hope however your day pans out; you feel loved. I think that’s the most important thing on a day like Christmas Day.

If you have Covid - I’m so sorry, and I’m thinking of you. Help is available. There is a dedicated COVID-19 Healthline you can call free on 0800 358 5453. They can set you up with care packages if you need them. If you can’t get through, comment here and I’ll see what I can do to help you.

Thank you for your support. Your subscriptions mean this was less terrifying than it would be if I couldn’t take another week off. Arohanui x stay safe x and Meri Kirihimete. Love Emily x