Summary

The author's aunt, aged 83, tested positive for coronavirus, leading to a period of worry and uncertainty for the family, who were unable to visit her in the hospital, but ultimately received the good news of her recovery.

Abstract

The author received the distressing news that their 83-year-old aunt had contracted COVID-19. This aunt, who played a significant role in the author's life, was isolated in a hospital without the possibility of visits from loved ones. The author, grappling with the situation, chose to share the news selectively and maintained hope despite the fluctuating reports about the aunt's condition. The family endured a period of anxiety, marked by daily inquiries for updates and the emotional toll of not being able to be present for their beloved family member. The tension was finally broken with the joyous news of the aunt's recovery, bringing immense relief and anticipation for the end of lockdown to reunite with her.

Opinions

The author has a deep emotional connection with their aunt, who is not just a relative but also a confidante and advisor.
There is a sense of frustration and helplessness due to the inability to visit the aunt in the hospital and the lack of detailed updates from the medical staff.
The author's decision to limit the sharing of the news reflects a need for privacy and control over the flow of information during a sensitive time.
The family's hope was bolstered by a news story about a 99-year-old recovering from coronavirus, suggesting a belief in the possibility of recovery despite advanced age.
The author's relief upon hearing of the aunt's recovery is profound, indicating the depth of concern and love for the aunt.

Your Aunt Tested Positive for Coronavirus

Words no one wants to hear

I couldn’t write this story before now, even though it’s been nearly two weeks since I got the call telling me that my aunt, aged eighty-three, had contracted coronavirus.

This is the aunt, my mother's eldest sister, who almost became my mother.

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In the end, she remained my aunt and also became my godmother.

She it was who first talked to me frankly about menstruation and assured me that it was fine to use tampons; that despite what myself and my friends thought, tampons couldn’t cause the loss of your virginity.

Down the years, she had so often provided the listening ear I needed, especially when my mother was far away, living in another country.

No wonder I didn’t want to believe she had contracted COVID-19. I didn’t want to think about her laying all alone in a hospital bed, surrounded by strangers, albeit caring strangers, unable to be visited by her husband of fifty years, or either of her two children, or myself, or indeed by any relatives at all.

I only shared the news with a handful of close friends and family. I didn’t want to deal with calls or texts from concerned others. I chose my confidants carefully and told them I’d keep them updated. Code for: don’t call me, I’ll call you.

A cousin my aunt had fallen out with almost a decade earlier telephoned, all grievances forgiven, to ask about her.

I told him, without any basis, that I was sure she was going to be alright.

Meanwhile, I harassed my uncle daily for updates: How is she now? What was her last temperature? Is she eating?

Most of the time he was unable to give me satisfactory answers. He wasn’t allowed to go to the hospital himself and the staff, too busy most times to plug in my aunt’s mobile phone, could only tell him about any changes.

‘She’s stable.’

‘Her temperature has gone down.’

‘I’m afraid her temperature is up again.’

‘She doesn’t have a cough.’

One day a doctor said her condition had worsened.

Later the same day, a nurse said her condition had improved.

There was nothing we could do but wait, and pray.

A news story about a 99-year-old who had recovered from coronavirus went viral.

Our hopes rose.

Then finally, the message I hoped and prayed for came.

Oh, the relief! When the tears came, I realised I hadn’t cried since I had heard the news. I had been on tenterhooks the whole time, awaiting the outcome.

Once my aunt is home I will be able to go and see her —as soon as this lockdown is over.

Marla Bishop is a writer and relationship coach specialising in helping others live lives they totally love. She lives in London UK with her husband and youngest two children. You can follow her here.