I read recently that COVID-19 (the present coronavirus the world is dealing with) looks like it has a bunch of crowns on the stems of its protrusions. Corona means crown in Latin, hence the crown virus (or coronavirus). Please see a CDC article here that explains the history of this lingua in much better, nuanced detail than I can currently explain.
The saint was recently diagnosed with what the medical staff assumed is one of the more contagious variants now going around the United States. I, in turn, started showing symptoms of it about a week later, but am still waiting on my lab results to confirm. I am fairly certain I have it though, and am nearing the tail end of my quarantine. For the first time in about a week, I can move my eyes around and not feel pain and I can also think more clearly and breathe a little bit more easily.
One of the most alarming symptoms I had was a possible blood clot in my foot. My right foot was hurting one night while laying in bed; I told the nurse practitioner (np) I saw the next day it had felt like I had worn a bad fitting pair of shoes. The pain went away a few hours later, so thankfully my body took care of it independently. The np said that COVID-19 can cause blood clots, which can in turn lead to strokes. About a week prior to seeing me, the np said she had a female patient around my age who had a stroke from COVID. So yes, it can even happen to us young millennials.
I also had what the np said was “Covid Brain”, or basically not being able to think clearly, reacting slowly, recalling memories slower than usual, etc. So, not only does the beast of COVID-19 affect the blood system and breathing, it can affect the nervous system as well (hence changes in taste, smell, etc.). I call shenanigans.
I’m sharing this as one brief human story of COVID among millions. Please continue to protect yourselves and others by washing your hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing. Even if your neighbors down the street are partying it up and built an extension onto their house to throw said parties (yes, I do speak from experience), do it anyway. Because it’s the right thing to do.
Also, in final closing, I found on Twitter a great channel that promotes the historic preservation and ongoing research and education of the Holocaust, particularly the Auschwitz Memorial. I encourage you to check it out, and add it to your feed. It’s a daily reminder of what can happen when we let hate win. Auschwitz was liberated by Soviet Troops 76 years ago this past January. That isn’t so very long ago now, is it?
Never forget. Speak up against evil; do not let it win.
Peregrine Arc 