39 Comments
Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

"I didn't want you to think I'd abandoned you." Never crossed my mind, dear. Ironically, I had the same thoughts about my lack of response to your Capuccino musings... but that's another conversation for when you're feeling better. Forza!

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I just intuitively understand you. Always have, for some reason. So, never ever worry!

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

Holy Frijole, Stacey!

Hoping you get your swagger back sooner rather than later!

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I do miss that swagger.

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No pressure, but...a day without the Stacey Swagger is like a day without sunshine.

And given that Spring is just around the corner...ahem...

😷

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

Sending you Healing Hugs dear friend.

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And I’m receiving them!

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Please tell me you have traveler's insurance. If you don't? Start a gofundme NOW because to walk into an ER in the USA starts at $500. I will kick in what I can. And maybe please PM me

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You are right to be concerned. The price of everything here is NUTS. But maybe there’s a silver lining. This is New York, the only outpost of real socialism we have. I’ll qualify for Obamacare in 3 months, and they will pay for the whole bill retroactively.

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Be well. Write the book in your convalescence! I fractured my ankle and tore an ankle a month ago in a ski accident in Abruzzo. I’ve been going stir crazy as I enter the fourth week of riposo. I forced myself to start assembling my book, revising it and rewriting, rewriting, rewriting. This period has turned into my Ankle Residency! I’m sorry pneumonia has struck you, and I hope you feel better soon.

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Oh, no!!!!! Sheila, you must feel as though you’re going completely mad at this point. I’m so sorry! How much longer are you in Ankle Residency?

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Ankle Residency wrapping up next week when I finally begin physical therapy! But I will say it has served me well in terms of the writing. It’s simply the convalescence cakes and pity pastries that aren’t working so well with my waistline. Bless those elastic waistbands.

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

Well, I was wondering where you went. She's writing a book! She's overwhelmed by New York! She's taking time out to gather her energies after the depletions required by the move! But this? What are we to do with the revelation that your mortal body can fall prey to germs and viruses? And the other revelation: that your mind, regardless, remains capable of empathetic astonishment, still remains observant behind heavy lidded eyes? Weigh it all in the balance, I suppose.

Be well.

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Oh! If only your fat better scenarios were options, like game show doors, that I could go through!!!!

Thank you, sweet friend.

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

I'm so sorry, Stacey. It's hard enough getting used to being back "here," without having to deal with that....

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You know how I love to go all in ... :-)

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Well, that sucks! Never apologize for having pneumonia. It should apologize to you! Just pamper yourself and do what you’re told and we’ll be right here when you’re feeling up to saying

howdy

I would have cried at seeing those signs, too. Long fight ahead. So get well. ❤️❤️

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Well, now, thank you. I always feel like such a freak when these things affect me the way they do. It’s good to have illustrious company :-)

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Oh…and let John pamper you. 🤗❤️

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That poor man.

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Deserting your post? Are you fucking serious?? Get healthy, THEN worry about everything else. We’ll still be here. Do you you need to so you will be as well. 😆❤️

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Catholic apostate here. Girl/church/guilt--you know the rest. Overdeveloped sense of responsibility, blah blah blah. I’m so tiresome.

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Plus, you’re a mother. Guilt is a given. 🤷🏻‍♂️

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Pneumonia is just the icing on the cake for the upheaval you've been through. It's tough.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the entire process will be life changing (well, DUH!) And in a while, you'll look back and

1. wonder how in the Wide World of Sports you got through it

and

2. Looking back on the whole ordeal, wouldn't want to have changed a thing.

But once you have a clean bill of health, do get a Pneumoniacoccal vaccine, and booster as directed.

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LOL! It’s like you know me!!! And I think you do. Everything you just said, Terrie. Down to the syllable.

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In a way, we're sisters, I think. We both love words (and I don't confessing you've introduced me to some new words I'd never heard of!!!)

We love communicating our observations of life, culture, etc., and we're not afraid to use our experiences (for better or worse) to improve ourselves.

I wouldn't go back and change a thing! I DO have a few regrets, "but then too few to mention." ')

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

Get well soon! 💫

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I gotta! Otherwise, how am I going to meet up with you guys when you come to NY?

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Gosh, I'm sorry to hear this, Stacey. On the plus side, as you pointed out, it sounds like you received excellent care. Indulge yourself in rest!

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Thank you, Joan! I truly appreciate it.

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

Pneumonia is some pretty serious shit. Take your medicine, drink you whiskey, and ... oh right.

"To post such a sign means there were reasons to post such a sign. There was precedent. People actually went into the ER and vented their rage and frustration on the very professionals who were trying to save their lives."

A friend of mine from grad school shifted gears and rather than getting a Ph.D. in philosophy went on to get an MD. COVID almost led him to quit that career (or rather, sidestep into administration while still being nominally involved in medicine.) He signed some 60 death certificates in about 2 years, but that wasn't the worst part. The worst part were the patients who, with their last articulate word prior to intubation -- and, like the roach motel, once they go in they almost never came out -- with that last word cursed him for lying about what their sickness was. Ultimately, he stayed with the medical side.

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That’s going to haunt me. Your friend (and all healthcare professionals) deserve so much better. Just...wow.

I wish I drank whiskey.

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Well the good news is the fatality rate among the anti-vaxxers, anti- masker covid deniers exceeded the vaccinated was 70% higher. Self selected herd thinner

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Well, I'm none too concerned what they do to themselves. The problem is that they don't keep it to themselves. The un-vax'd are much more likely to spread the disease (actually, any and every disease) to other people, most of whom did not volunteer to get infected.

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Mar 1, 2023Liked by Stacey Eskelin

Ugh - so sorry to hear! Glad you got some good care, and hope you feel better and get back up on your feet soon. In the meantime, be as lazy and pampered as possible.

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Thank you, my friend. I’m trying, but it’s haaaaaaard.

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So sorry this is happening to you and that you got a first-hand look at the consequences of our hate-party's turn against our heroic healthcare providers. Here in Seattle and playwrite and local theater director interviewed dozens of healthcare workers and then wrote a play for a one-woman actor. She took on the role of 5 people and told their stories creating 5 distinct individuals who first experienced their heroism, then their fatigue, and then the hatred piled on them. My step-daughter the hospice nurse would not attend the show with me as she has PTSD from the two year experience. She has retired. Get better fast. I, too, have had pneumonia and have taken the shot.

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