On the Porch
Onisha Ellis
I have a confession to make. I have attacks of Covid phobia. If my throat feels scratchy, my eyes look extra red, or if I imagine my chest feels tight, can you guess my first thought? Is this Covid?
Last week I shared Debby’s story. Her very personal journey through Covid. Another friend posted their story on Facebook this week and with his permission, I am sharing it with you. For the record, I have not been in physical contact with these friends or friends of friends during their Covid experience.
Gerald’s Story
“Today I turned 68 years old and took the day off just to reflect on my life and how blessed I am. This year 2021 has already turned into a trying one with me getting the COVID in early January but praise God I survived it with very few issues. To say I wasn’t scared would be a lie because I was. I’ve heard too many stories of a person being fine one minute and the next they are gone.
I had 12 days of isolation in my travel trailer to really think about my life and all the amazing things God has blessed me with. A wonderful family, friends, job and so much more! Obviously I wanted to live and see my children and grandchildren grow up and celebrate all the different occasions that make life wonderful. But there was that thought, what if I didn’t make it. Just in case, I wrote a letter to tell all my loved ones just how much they meant to me and to have faith in God because he loves us and is always in control. I wanted to stay but to be honest I trusted God either way and would be content to be in his wonderful presence.
Luckily I made it and don’t need to send the letter but it was wonderful sitting in that trailer for 12 days and reflecting on my life and blessings. When I came out on day 12, I’ll be honest and tell you that the sun was brighter, the air sweeter, and life so much more precious. Thank you God for the angels you placed around me. Thank you for your love, mercy, and for being my Heavenly Father. Hopefully my experience will give someone hope or help someone who might be struggling with the virus or just the struggles of life. Amen“
One night I remember feeling exceptionally unwell and aching. Every time I awoke in pain, I prayed against Covid. The next morning I felt much better. But if the time comes and I do succumb, I hope to do so with the same courage and trust as my friend, Gerald.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.
My 2020 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.
Old Things R New 
My post from last week, Debbie’s story, is a survivor story. I would say that her health issues may be more severe than what you are experiencing. I truly feared for her life. I’m not sure of the treatments for Covid in the UK, but in Florida, at least, severe cases are being treated aggressively. I have a separate section in my prayer journal for friends with Covid and except for one, they all have a capital H next to their name for healed/healthy.
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That’s the first time I’ve read of someone who survived this virus. Great news! I’m like you, Onisha, I’m plagued by thoughts of catching COVID if I did get it I know I’d die.
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