Just as my parents, sister, and I complete our vaccinations, we get another reminder of just how fragile any sense of security is around Covid. Since I'd reached my immunity day, I went to stay with my aunt (who is not - and does not want to be - vaccinated) for a few days while I still have free time until a job prospect arrives. To my delight and surprise my other cousin was there who I haven't seen since Christmas 2019!

My cousin contracted Covid with minimal symptoms from her granddaughter back in December 2020, and hasn't been vaccinated, but I figured that she would have antibodies already. We visited, I stayed with my aunt, and my cousin attended a bridal shower on Saturday for her other granddaughter. My aunt had already declined the invitation since it was being held indoors. No problem, right?

My parents came back to pick me up on Sunday and when we returned from lunch there was a message on my aunt's machine from my cousin's son. She'd had a minor heart attack, and while she was in the hospital had also tested positive for Covid again! The heart attack was taken care of, but she was now in the Covid unit being watched for any respiratory complications, since on top of a weakened heart that can be a quick decompensation away from death. She also, unfortunately, exposed everyone in that part of the family at the shower.

How did my cousin get Covid twice in six months? We don't know. Maybe it was the UK variant and just different enough to cause a second infection. Maybe it was because my cousin is 81, diabetic, and her immune system didn't create any T-cells. Any way it happened it's rather disturbing.

Luckily I had bought a pulse-ox at CVS the last time I was picking up one of my prescriptions since it had come down in price (I bought mine five years ago when it was $10, at the height of the pandemic I saw them for $110, and now it's down to $50), brought it to my aunt's and showed her how to use it. We (now) know my cousin exposed her, so it's a waiting game, but at least she can check her O2 sats.

I'm hoping this changes her mind about getting vaccinated. We'll continue to see her regardless and she's retired so it's not like she has to be out and about every day. She does wear a mask religiously, but the vaccine gives a layer of protection and peace of mind that nothing else can at this point. My cousin is doing okay, but hopefully she'll also decide the vaccine is worth it since obviously prior infections aren't a guarantee.

Experiencing Covid time is like extreme living, moments of pure panic and long, loooong stretches of almost suspended animation. Two steps forward, one step back, stop, reverse. A new rhythm for all of us and we're still adjusting.