I never thought having the Flu would be good news

I have a confession to make, last fall I didn’t know what the novel coronavirus covid 19 was. Sitting here at 4:50 am typing this update I have a much different understanding. Covid-19 has impacted our lives, it has killed 1.3 million people worldwide, interrupted the world’s economy and forever reshaped our society. Simply put, it’s really scary.

When I was tested they said the results would take 24 to 36 hours. First you have to register for a myhealth app and next you can log in and check for results, all while pretending to be patient. I choose to wait and attempt to be patient. Sign in, check for results, no results yet and repeat over and over again. Now I appreciate that there are 1000’s of test happening daily, however that’s the cycle you get caught in. Just like magic and at 4am in the morning, you sign into the app, check for results and boom there it is…negative.

I think I’m relieved. No I know I’m relieved, but I’m still confused. What does it mean, what do I do know. Do I stay home for 14 days, do I get tested again, why do I feel so shitty, have I forgotten what I good old fashioned flu felt like?

This experience has been very emotional. Since coming down with some symptoms on Friday I have not only physically felt ill, but I’ve felt very remorseful. In fact I would better describe it as a shame. Why? Because I have followed the rules, I practice distancing, wash my hands, wear my mask and I’ve not been going out in crowds. Shame because I might have exposed people that I respect and love. Shame because I’m a public figure and I should set the right example. Shame because I knew my results or even the fact that I would be tested, might not stay private.

So I’m relieved that my results are negative, but I still feel sick. It’s not the physical symptoms I worry about, it’s the pain I feel for our community. This year has been tough, we’ve faced many challenges and Covid-19 just takes the cake. I’ve seen the best in our community and the darkness in our community. People are suffering from physical health, mental health, isolation, financial stress, uncertainty and so many more challenges. I’m fatigued are you?

Here’s why I shared. I shared because since becoming your mayor, I made what seemed like a simple promise to myself. That I would live my values and principles and I would not make promises I couldn’t keep. Easy to say and it’s been really hard to do. There’s been tremendous compassion demonstrated in our community since March and tremendous hatred at times. I wanted to put a face on Covid. While my results are negative, many in our community and province are sitting at home right now, likely afraid to share their results.

We’re being tested big time right now. I think many people are scared, stressed and want answers to questions, when there might not yet be answers. I think the communication has been tough and could be better. I think hindsight is 20/20. I think we need to be kind, patient, compassionate, generous to each other and vulnerable with how we are feeling.

Thank you to everyone that is playing a frontline role, during these very difficult time. Be kind to each other.

Mayor Don.