Covid-19, 3 Years On
Like everyone else, I have been through a lot over the past three years. Covid-19 has not been my greatest health challenge, which is the biggest surprise. In September 2021, I had a trip and fall accident, injuring one of my knees to the point of requiring surgery, and now, another upcoming surgery.
Through what is my own personal and greatest health challenge, I’ve experienced how taxed the healthcare system is, and has become. My doctor of 30 years retired, and a second specialist is soon to follow. I went to urgent care a few months ago and waited over two hours for a 10-minute examination. The staff is overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated.
I have gone out of my way to be kind to medical staff. They’re often shocked that someone is demonstrating polite behavior toward them. It’s sad to realize that common courtesy and decency have disappeared.
One thing that I remain grateful for is that I have spent more time reading, writing, and being able to enjoy those two pursuits much more than I was ever able to during my years of work in New York City. I’m two-thirds of the way through writing my first screenplay. The words flow more easily than they did in March 2020. I don’t think; I just write. The thinking comes when the editing does, after the writing is finished.