Title
Looking Through the Window PAIN
When viewing through a window from the outside, it does not necessarily reveal the emotions felt on the inside. That is why I felt compelled to share my story.During the present COVID-19 pandemic, I was the victim of a severe fall which gave me a head injury. After going through the Emergency Room, Hospital and later in Rehab Center, I was quarantined for two weeks to make sure that I had not been infected and I would not contaminate others. This was the most frightening experience I’ve had in my entire life. I have always been very active and to be restricted into an area and receiving my meals as ordered, a shower when available by personnel and toilet needs each day left me feeling isolated and helpless. The only contact I had was visually through the window in my room. I was fortunate enough to have a ground-floor room with a window. Some were less fortunate. Upon my entrance into this facility my wife sent pictures for each day of the week for remembrances of the things we had done before this terrible pandemic. I would place these in the window and joyfully look at them each morning. This brought me some comfort although it was not the same as the touching, hugging and kissing a love one.I would watch people passing my window and wishing I could be out there doing the same thing walking and enjoying the day. I would rearrange my wheelchair so that I could be in a position to look through the window and see my loved ones as they appeared daily wishing me get well prayers.Those daily visits certainly helped my mood but at night it seemed so much darker, feelings of missing my loved ones and wondering when I would be free from being quarantined. It made sleep more difficult because of this fear. After two weeks of isolation, although I did see people for help with occupational therapy and physical therapy, it still left a dire need for me to be out of this confinement. This brings me to the subject of this blog. I was fortunate as I said before to be on the first floor and have a window, others were not as fortunate in my age group and were aware they were predisposed to this virus. They would be sent to another level for physical and occupational rehabilitation, usually in the same building but no access to a window or contact with loved ones. As time progressed it was obvious they would be there probably till the ending days of their lives.
Can you feel the emotion looking through a window from the outside and not enduring the sadness of the way you would feel in these conditions. I want to share this terrible feeling of being locked in space, loss of contact with loved ones until your death. Think about it, people wear t-shirts and shoes to get a beer but won't wear a mask or use social distancing to help prevent the spread of this virus. I saw nurses, doctors, caregivers and first responders all risking their lives and families to help protect us.
I do hope you will give some consideration and thought as you read my blog, that it is not as much about me, but those who are less fortunate.Wink
