I’m happy or should I say proud to report that almost everyone I know is taking the necessary steps to follow the social distancing guidelines currently set forth by – well anyone and everyone with an iota of common sense. It doesn’t take an expert to tell us these things. Does it?
Yesterday, as a part of my mental health routine I drove to what I’d hoped to be a less occupied area of the York County Heritage Rail Trail. (First, I drove past Brillhart Station and found too many cars in the parking lot, so I kept going). I ended up at Seven Valleys and found just a few cars, perfectly spaced. While walking I came upon mile marker 13 which prompted a flashback from last year at almost this same time. I’m posting this silly, blurry video of myself on St. Patty’s Day 2019 which will hopefully bring a smile to some of you. (Mudhook, Fire In the Glen performing)
There I was footloose and fancy free, doing my version of an Irish Jig unaware that just 2 weeks later I’d be at GBMC (a hospital in Towson, MD) emergency room being prepped for emergency surgery. I arrived at about 5:00 a.m. with severe stomach pains, guessing I either had a terrible case of gas (and how embarrassing is that?) or possibly appendicitis. Upon my arrival I noticed the ER was practically empty. I don’t recall seeing any other patients. And I was greeted by several hospital staff members who immediately took action. Although I was heavily medicated quickly thereafter, I was sent for a few scans and within an hour I was visited by a surgeon who informed me he had moved his surgeries, booked an operating room and would be taking me in for surgery within the hour. I was in surgery for a twisted colon by about 7:00 a.m. Following surgery, I was placed in a private room and cared for by a rolling staff of nurses, aides, my doctor, and an amazing physician’s assistant. I stayed for almost a week. I roamed the halls freely for exercise, had daily visitors, and excellent care. Lucky me. The surgery was on April 1, 2019.
So what’s that got to do with mile marker 13? Less than 2 weeks after my surgery I asked my boyfriend to take me for a walk at my favorite location on the rail trail. We parked at the Glatfelter Station parking lot and walked south where we passed marker 13. I took a picture of the marker just as I did yesterday and posted on facebook. I was so grateful, despite my limitations at the time, to be there.
It got me to thinking, what if my colon had held out for another year, and two weeks from now I would be taken to the emergency room for that same surgery? Everyone who’s paying attention knows the answer. Need I say more here? I don’t think so.
So, thank you to all of my people who are doing the right thing – who are doing your part. Thank you to all of the medical professionals who are working round the clock to help everyone with illnesses. Thank you to the grocery employees who are trying to keep smiles on their faces as they struggle to keep the shelves stocked. Thank you to all of the folks who are posting educational suggestions and entertainment options for our children and ourselves.
I was tempted to keep mile marker 13 a secret. After all, if everyone goes there it will be difficult to maintain social distancing. But, remember there are plenty of entry points to nature. And there are plenty of hours in the day. Take turns. Keep going if it looks crowded. Enjoy.
Here are a few pictures from my walk yesterday.
