The Cost of COVID19

It is no surprise the COVID19 pandemic has wreaked havoc with the world's economy, and exactly how much of an impact is yet to be understood. Certainly, even the healthcare system is not immune. Health insurance premiums will rise, especially Medigap (supplemental) plans for those on Medicare since premiums are often dependent upon regional costs, just like property insurance. For seniors living on a declining (it's no longer a fixed) income, this will be another challenge.

And even though healthcare is still greatly in demand, there are causalities there as well. Doctor visits have lessened greatly, nurses and other medical staff are terminated or furloughed because hospitals are handling fewer non-COVID19 issues, and just like any business, some medical practices are not able to survive. As an example, I received a call on a Monday a few weeks ago stating that my neurologist's office was closing on Friday and I needed to decide where to send my medical records. That left four days for me to find a new neurologist who could renew prescriptions and monitor my CPAP readings―things that can't wait. 

I look at the oil industry, retail, and the millions who have lost their jobs either temporarily or permanently, and my soul aches for the loss.  Yet, I think of the gifts in the midst of it all with innovation, the ability to accept change, the opportunity to care for one another, and the pause given our earth for a short reprieve from the daily impurities man imposes upon her.

As our country begins to "open" again, I know there will be differences in how we operate and relate. With the new normal, it's inevitable some things will not be as good as before, but then other things might be a whole lot better. We need to remember how right it feels to care for each other, and to value one another more than things. We need to be cognizant of and discover the many resources the world provides, and appreciate the ability of mankind to survive and to thrive. 

It took a pandemic to slow down Humanity enough to realize we ultimately aren't the ones in control.  Bad things happen, but I think it's up to us to learn from them and figure out how to make this world a better place in spite of those bad things.

Now to puzzle #10...

What Am I? ― Animals/Birds/Reptiles

Gray                  Kodiac               Ocean               Eggs                  Sac        
Big Ears            Brown                Attacker            Coop                  Jumper
Heavy_              Grizzly                Fin____            Free Range       Australia 



 
Wag                 Tentacles          Tom                   Eek!                    Warts
Loyal                Ink                     Felix                 Blind?                  Kiss
Paws                Eight                 Jaguar              Trap_                   Prince    




Spring                 Symbol             Eyeore                   Slither                 Furry
Red, Red            Endangered      Hybrid Equine         Under Rocks       Pellets
Speckled Egg     Bald                  Packs                     Tempter              Easter




Sly                       Billy                Wise
Red or Gray          Mohair            Horned
Kits                      Nanny             Barn__

Experiencing the Frontlines Firsthand

After experiencing breathing issues, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate, I decided it was time to visit the emergency department of my local hospital. It was before 3am when my son (an ED nurse in another city) and I arrived, and I was happy to be getting the issues addressed.

We knew my son could not stay with me due to procedures implemented by most hospitals to reduce the spread of COVID 19. That wasn't a problem for either of us because we didn't know how long any treatment might take.

After multiple tests, a CT scan, and X-rays, a different and more serious problem was discovered, and I was admitted. I actually breathed a sigh of relief knowing my visit was justified after all, and then very grateful I did decide to make the trip!

Besides receiving treatment for my breathing, and beginning another for the other issue, I experienced what our front line heroes are doing everyday. Having a son and daughter-in-law who are nurses, I know how hard they work and how much they care about their patients. I encountered nothing less from the great staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

My letter to the hospital's CEO is being mailed tomorrow. I believe in taking time and making the effort to acknowledge excellence and service beyond what is expected. A cheerful and friendly attitude despite the circumstance means so much, especially now with the uncertainty that gives little rest worldwide.

The individuals who cared for me had plenty of challenges of their own in trying to home-school their children, find family time, juggle resources, etc., yet they left all behind and concentrated on doing what they do best. Their profession (be it nursing, housekeeping, lab technician, physician, pharmaceutical, respiratory, emergency) isn't just a paycheck to them, but a genuine desire to serve. Heroes? Absolutely!

Romans 12:6 states, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us," and the verse continues as to how we should use them. I can plainly see what gifts the wonderful staff at LMH possesses. We should all follow their example with our own gifts.