One thousand two hundred and ninety-nine days after the global pandemic was declared, I awoke in the morning with a sore body, a massive headache, and a slight cough. As a precaution, I did a rapid antigen test to see if I would be safe for work. I've taken so many of these tests over the years that It's pretty routine. Every test I have taken has produced a negative result, and to the best of my knowledge, I've lived through the pandemic without contracting the coronavirus. However, this morning was different. The test revealed a slight but noticeable line on the lower end of the indicator, followed by another line at the top. After all this time, this virus has finally got me. I had finally tested positive for Covid-19.

I'm not upset because I got sick. I've always known it was bound to happen at some point. I'm upset because I had to take time off work. I've always been proud that I'm rarely ill. I also carry a sense of pride because, over the last 18 years, I can count on one hand the number of times that I've had to call in sick. I can be counted on to show up and work. And yet, a small rapid antigen test has reminded me of the following:

I'm only human, and that's okay. No one is expecting otherwise.

I can trust my team. They are capable and temporarily manage without me.

There is no shame in being on the receiving end of care and understanding.

and finally,

Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup and Premium plus crackers make for a great lunch on a sick day!

Friend, thank you for reading. Wash your hands, get your booster shot, and look out for the people around you! May you also permit yourself to rest.