Disbelief, Anger, and Gratitude

Woman wearing surgical mask
Danielle at work

Danielle – Washington State

My pandemic perspective started with disbelief that it was serious or would affect us as it has. It changed to just how serious it was.

I had many fears of not being able to care for my patients because of the unknowns of this virus.  Fears for my co-workers (friends) on the covid floors. I was frustrated, bored, anxious, tired and concerned for my kids and their well-being/education.

I am at the same time blessed because my husband & I have had jobs. Even though these jobs took us outside the house because we were front line workers, increasing our risk, we had paychecks to pay our bills and the ability to be out of our house with others. I was blessed to help individuals fight to live after surviving covid.

Two people, one wearing a surgical mask
Danielle and her husband in January, 2021, 10 days after she was diagnosed with COVID.

On top of all the other emotions and experiences, I am upset because I got covid, mad that I am still affected (suffering from long covid), feeling weak because I can’t overcome it, and blessed again because my family didn’t get covid.