All that week my husband had felt bad. His back and neck ached and he was just “off”. Years ago, he hurt his back pretty severely when digging a posthole for an entry gate. He thought he had pulled his back again.

We used heat and massage to try to help. Don slept about ten hours at night and between 3 and 5 hours in the afternoon. No energy. No zip.

Friday night, a week ago, he thought he had a fever. He did. We immediately tested and found he had Covid.

Early on during the pandemic, we ordered Ivermection to have on hand, so I started Don on it that night, along with vitamins and other items in his protocol. Water and Tylenol helped keep him hydrated and reduced his fever. That night we slept in separate rooms for the first time in our marriage, other than when I’ve been at a writers’ or women’s conference without him. I wrote a few friends, family, and our church, asking for prayer.

Because of Don’s age, I was concerned. Friday and Saturday nights I pleaded with the Lord to heal him, and to keep me well to care for him. My hubby slept Friday night, almost all day Saturday, and Saturday night. Sunday morning his fever was down, rising again a few hours later. He took several naps, but was also up during the day, watching baseball.

We spoke to a physician’s assistant and to our granddaughter, an MD, who both encouraged us we were doing the right things.

It’s now ten days later. We’ve cancelled appointments, rested a lot, and gotten just a bit tired of being closed in at home. And we’re far from alone. Many are still dealing with Covid, and some with long haul Covid.

But I am grateful–for praying family and friends, for caring nurses and PA’s, for God’s healing hand. That I am still well.

When I sent a note to our church and friends, we immediately had prayer support as well as multiple offers to pick up groceries, medicines, or bring meals for us. We felt surrounded by love and care. I overflowed with gratitude!

We listened to some wonderful sermons at home this weekend. One pastor reminded us we’re not meant to walk this journey with Christ alone, but rather in community. Even in the Lord’s prayer, there is no singular pronoun. We call on “Our Father …” rather than “My Father …”One pastor said to walk in God’s peace we need a care team–a good physician, a therapist, our pastor, friends who will pray with and for us, who are there for us and reach out to help.

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.

John 13;34-35

You may be struggling with something other than Covid.

• An aging parent
• A rebellious child
• Chronic pain
• Loneliness
• Financial concerns
• Political concerns

Don’t try to do it alone. I’m pleased that my newly widowed brother asks for company when he needs it. He’ll call friends and say “I don’t want to be alone tonight. Want to come over for some dessert?” That’s a healthy request, but it requires vulnerabilty and openness about our needs.

When Don was widowed, God put on his heart to care for a recovering alcoholic widower in our grief recovery group. They pruned bushes for 10-15 minutes, then sat with iced tea and talked for 30–or 60. Their friendship was healing for both of them.

Don’s Covid isn’t over yet, but he has improved. We’ll trust God for what this week brings.

God is good. He is faithful and true. He tells us to come to him with all our cares, because he cares for us.

Who do you turn to when you have a need that goes beyond your own resources?