Life Lately: Storms and Rainbows

 

Deep breath in, deep breath out. Hey there Besties. I am popping in today to share a little life update. I have had some storms and rainbows these past couple of weeks, but I am doing ok.

Let's start with the storms. In late March, my sweet dad passed away. My dad was kind, funny, and was never tried to be anything but the person he was. I miss him so, but we should all live a full, blessed and happy life until we are almost 89 years old.



I started watching Sweet Magnolias in March and I know I am totally late to this party but I am obsessed. Those last couple of weeks when my dad wasn't well, it totally became a source of comfort to me. This quote towards the end of season one, pretty much sums up things for me right now. It took my breath away when I heard it. 



In the last week, there have literally been two rainbow sightings. Dancing Granny took a photo of  rainbow as they were driving through Baltimore and then I saw a double rainbow at our house earlier this week.

Speaking of rainbows, I am fully vaccinated. When I had my second vaccine, I actually cried when it was over. I am so truly grateful for everyone who has been part of this process, from the scientists, to the nurses who administered my shot, to the people who work in the waiting room after you receive your shot.


I am actually part of a research study through Johns Hopkins because they want to test the effectiveness of the vaccine on people who have chronic health problems. It is super easy. All I have to do is get a blood test. I had a test before vaccine one and in between vaccine one and two. I am waiting for my email for my next blood test and then will do three more throughout the year. After each test I will know if I have the COVID antibodies. 

I had the Pfizer vaccine and had very little side effects from the vaccine itself. I was tired and had a sore arm after vaccine #1 and had a dull headache and sore arm after vaccine #2. I would say that the biggest side effect for me was that I was not able to do my main lupus medicine for seven days before and after each vaccine. My quality of life is totally different when I am not on this medicine and each time I went off of it, things were rough. It was very evident to me and those that live in my house. Besties, I love science.

If you have any questions about the vaccine, please feel free to message me. And I know I may get differing opinions on the vaccine, but I am all in on this one.

For me, here is the one of biggest benefits of the vaccine. Here is my rainbow. On Sunday, fifteen days after my second vaccine I was in Home Depot looking for paper lawn bags and some solar garden lights, flamingo ones to be exact. I heard someone say "hello there" and it was my friend's husband who is also our friend. He said that she was also in the store and would want to see me.


This was the Best hug and one I needed so much. I have probably not seen my friend Jen since October and not hugged her since the beginning of 2020. I got in the car and was so overcome with emotion. My emotions totally caught me by surprise. I know it is so hard on everyone to not be around friends. This first post vaccine hug was so Good and the fact that it was a surprise was even Better.  It felt so normal but even Better than normal due to the last year. 

There will always be storms in life but it is true that there will also be rainbows. I am so focusing on the rainbows.  I hope to be back tomorrow for Friday Favorites. 

See you soon Besties!


8 comments

  1. A big extra hug to you. I am so sorry about your father passing. XO

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  2. Thank you Elizabeth. I can't wait to hug you in person soon.

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  3. Oh sweet friend, I loved reading this....you are so inspirational and you are pushing me to look for the rainbows....I am very sorry for the loss of your Dad but hope we can all live the full life he did...praying for you and sending virtual hugs XO

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks so much for taking the time to send these condolences.

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  5. Again, I am sorry for the loss of your dad. While it is never easy losing a parent, I imagine this is an especially hard time.

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    1. Thank you so much. I was so blessed to have him for as long as I did.

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