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Coronavirus ~ a personal experience of Covid-19

It is ironic that it took a global pandemic caused by a miniscule virus to show how fragile our world really is, and how interdependent we are.

Yet another irony is that, during the pandemic of Covid-19, we have never felt so alone and out of control.  Normally, with good planning, hard-earned resources, a bit of luck and the practical or emotional help of family and friends, most of us can cope with any emergency or unexpected event.  But, with this pandemic none of our personal skills, contacts or experience have been of much help at all.  Many of us have faced situations which we simply could not avoid or cope with.

For myself it all began on Tuesday 24rd March 2020 after the UK government brought in special rules to “Stay home, save lives, protect the NHS”.  Listening to the horrific news reports on TV about how the virus was killing, not hundreds but thousands, of people in China and Italy, the people of the UK were shocked and frightened enough to comply ~ well except for Dominic Cummings!  However, there were many people who could not stay at home.  There were essential workers who had to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and carry on with their jobs.  Then there were frail people like my husband who had to attend hospital regularly for treatment – in his case, dialysis.  Usually he was picked up by hospital transport at midday and returned home around 7pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  But, in order to avoid his being in transport with other people, I was asked to bring him in and pick him up myself.  This I was more than happy to do.

However, once I got to the dialysis unit   it was obvious that the situation was far from safe or controlled.  All of the patients, as well as transport drivers and nurses, were packed into one small waiting area with no PPE at all and no possibility of social distancing!  I was so worried that when I got home, I rang the hospital to complain that they were not observing the safety rules set out by the government. 

Needless to say, within a week we were both feeling unwell. On Tuesday 31st March my husband was getting confused and didn’t want to eat anything. On Wednesday 1st April he stayed in bed all day and again didn’t eat. On Thursday 2nd April the nurses phoned me from dialysis to say that my husband was really unwell. I drove straight there to find him barely conscious and being dreadfully sick. He couldn’t recognise me and was obviously very ill. We decided that he needed to go to the Emergency department at the other end of the hospital. However, the Covid-19 rules meant anyone suspected of having the virus was not allowed into the main hospital. So, to avoid a very long walk around the outside of the hospital, his lovely named nurse rang for an ambulance. This took what felt like an eternity to arrive and the paramedics, seemingly unaware of the rules, were extremely cross that I hadn’t just wheeled him through the hospital in a wheelchair. Eventually they agreed to bring a trolley in and they got him onto the ambulance. I was about to climb in after him when they said I wasn’t allowed to go with him and I wouldn’t be allowed to visit him. At that point I felt sick with fear.

After testing it was found that he did indeed have Covid-19 so he was sent to a special ward.   There followed days of confusion.  I sent in his essentials; pyjamas, phone, drinks, sweets etc., none of which he was well enough to receive or use.  The hospital was becoming overwhelmed with cases of the virus and the staff seemed to be in chaos.  I phoned daily and got very different reports on his condition but never got to talk to my husband himself.  3 times I was told by one doctor that he could go home, only to be told later by a different doctor that he was too ill to go home. 

So, when on Thursday 9th April, a senior doctor phoned me I was delighted to hear that my husband was ‘doing well’.  However, I had misheard and what the doctor actually said was that my husband ‘was not doing well’.  In fact, he was so unwell that this consultant was going to break all the rules and allow me to come into the hospital and sit with him.  For this I will be eternally grateful. 

When I got to the hospital staff were very unwilling to let me in but eventually, they were overruled. From the minute I got in the nurses were wonderful. They gave me full PPE and moved my husband’s bed to a private en-suite room on the 9th floor with a wonderful view of the city skyline as the sun set. I suppose this should have rung alarm bells for me, but it didn’t. My husband looked so peaceful, sleeping. I thought if I just kept talking, he would eventually wake up. I chattered on for 7 hours about all the things he loved; family, fishing, caravanning, holidays and home. But he never did wake up. His breathing, which had been loud, got quieter and slower, and eventually at 1.20am on Good Friday 10th April, it just stopped. There was no drama, he just slipped away quietly and with no fuss.

When I summoned the nurse to tell her, she was exhausted and despondent.  She had seen so many people die of this virus; 5 in the last 24 hours, which was more death than she had ever experienced before.  I felt so sorry for her.  She then carefully put most of my husband’s belongings in special bags as ‘contaminated’ to be safely disposed of.  It was then I realised that we really were in a ‘plague’ situation. 

The PPE combined with my own developing Coronavirus had me dripping in sweat, but with the help of a socially distanced porter, I managed to find my way out to the carpark.  There I sat, alone, in the middle of the night for such a long time, in a state of shock and feeling numb.  I just didn’t know what I was supposed to do next.  And, I realised now that I didn’t feel well at all.  The thing about being a carer is that you are so focussed on the person you care for that you tend to be unaware of how you are yourself.   But I managed to drive home and didn’t see another car on the bypass.  This just added to the strangeness of the situation.  

The days that followed my husband’s death were unbelievably awful.  Nothing was normal as no one was working properly due to the government pandemic rules; not the registrar, the funeral directors, the bereavement office or anyone. Everything was such a struggle, which just compounded my grief.  Then I became seriously ill.  My daughter was checking on me daily from outside my window and she had been concerned that I was suffering from the virus.  On the Sunday evening when she came round, I was in a state of collapse, confused, with a raging temperature and unable to stand.  She called an ambulance and I was taken straight into hospital.  My Coronavirus test was positive so I was transferred to an isolation room on a Covid ward. Anyone who says Covid is just like flu, or not even as bad as flu as Mr Trump said recently, has not experienced the full horror of the virus.  The coughing is relentless and breathing so difficult.  But for me the worst thing was the soaring temperature and unbelievable sweating which soaked through clothes and bedding as fast as they could be changed.  Also, my kidneys were being attacked which has damaged them possibly permanently.  I did often feel like giving up, and some days death would have been welcome.  But, thanks to wonderful doctors, a superb local hospital and the encouragement and prayers of my wonderful family and friends, I recovered.   My lungs don’t appear to be permanently damaged, but I get breathless now just taking the dog for her walk and my arthritis is much more painful.  I’ve actually bought a walking stick and a seat-stick because I feel so weak and tired some days.  But I know how lucky I am to have survived and I am grateful.

Heartfelt floral wreath by Rebel and the Rose

The Aftermath

There was a long delay in having my husband’s body collected from the hospital by the funeral directors and I was not allowed to visit or see his body there.  Funerals were on hold so a whole month passed before he could even be cremated.  And the organisation of the funeral was out of my hands due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Rules stated that only 5 people were allowed to attend his funeral and it had to be held outside the crematorium.  We couldn’t have music or video or live streaming or any means of sharing the funeral with his loving family.  It is unimaginably hard to have to tell sisters, grandchildren and his many good friends, that they could not attend his funeral.  I find it hard even now to express how devastating the ‘funeral’ was.  

Five of us walked behind the hearse towards the crematorium building.  The funeral directors lifted up the rear door of the hearse and they slid the coffin onto a trolley.  No-one was allowed to touch the coffin.  We gathered round for a reading and prayers in the ten-minute service, which was all we were allowed. 

The weather was atrocious with howling wind being funnelled through the car park.  I comfort myself by believing it was the Holy Spirit blowing through. 

Suddenly there came from Heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting…And they were filled with the Holy Spirit

Acts2:2-4

The minister, Seb Cummings from Mariners’ church in Gloucester, was so compassionate but sadly we couldn’t hear the readings we had chosen so carefully because of the wind. Then the funeral directors wheeled the trolley inside and he was gone.  It just didn’t seem real to me, but the oddness and sadness of it will stay with me forever. Now all I have are my memories and my photographs.

  • 2012 my 65th birthday
  • colourful cotswolds
  • 1998 at a family wedding
  • two loves we shared, caravanning and fishing
  • 1994 trip to American North West
  • glorious gloucestershire
  • Our last holiday in 2019
  • happy holiday in Torrevieja, Spain
Photos of happier times during our very happy marriage

On the death of the beloved

Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,
Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn
Brightening over our lives
Awakening beneath the dark
A further adventure of colour.

The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things.

Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was live, awake, complete.

We look towards each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows
And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.

by John O’Donohue

Since all this happened, as restrictions eased a bit, I have been able to lay Gerry to rest with the dignity of his family around him. Our wonderful priest Fr Alan Finley conducted a beautiful short service with prayers and readings that gave the ceremony meaning, and me a great deal of comfort.

I now have a place I can visit which is peaceful and beautiful and a fitting tribute to his life. I grieve every day and every night.

64 thoughts on “Coronavirus ~ a personal experience of Covid-19”

  2. I was just browsing through your stuff, when I saw this post.
    I expected to read a feel-good story and was shocked to hear of the sudden passing of your husband.

    I’m so sorry for your loss, it must have been awful.

    Thank goodness for family and loved ones (near by) who were able to console you in your grief.
    Huge hugs my dear. xx

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you that is so kind of you 🕊
      Yes the pandemic has been a very traumatic time for so many people. Over 120 thousand people died in the UK so I’m not alone in my grief. But for so many reasons I feel deeply sad.
      I am trying to get back to my blog, but it is so difficult when everything reminds me of Gerry.
      I appreciate you taking the time to send me a message x

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    • Thank you dear Jude. I have some days when I’m ok but others when something sets me off. Today being Super Bowl is a sad day for me. For many years Gerry and his 2 boys have got together here to stay up for the Super Bowl. They always had a lovely meal followed by lots of treats and a few beers. Next morning they went to a local cafe for a slap up breakfast. It was the highlight of the year for Gerry.
      So I am feeling a bit lonely today. I have decided to stay up for the start of the game in his memory.
      I am so glad to hear from you and very grateful that you commented on my post.
      Stay safe and well.

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  5. I am so sorry to read this account. It brings everything into sharp focus. Today we are all being placed in Tier 4 (in Gloucestershire). My husband had an aortic arch replacement at the Radcliffe in October and I am so grateful to have him returned to me. We shielded from the beginning n March and are still shielding now. I went a walk in the fields today but there are too many people on the pavements who don’t give you a wide enough berth. Perhaps I will stay in our grounds again. I can’t imagine your terrible experience and the grief that you must feel. I pray that you will find strength in the days that lie ahead as we go into 2021. God bless you.

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    • Dear Candia
      Thank you for reading my blog and for your heartfelt reply.
      I’m in Cheltenham so going into tier 4 tonight too!
      I think you are wise to stay indoors and don’t let anything or anyone visit your husband. He will be vulnerable as my Gerry was. I miss him every day and can not get over losing him in such an awful and unexpected way.
      My grief is compounded by not being able to visit friends and family.
      Take great care of yourself and those you love x
      Let’s hope 2021 sees an end to the virus or a vaccine for all.
      Bless you x

      Sent by Brenda Kimmins

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      • I’ve had a few ups and downs and moved house at Christmas! I’m in Pamington now near my daughter so I’m a bit happier x thanks for thinking of me x I haven’t been on the blog much since losing Gerry- it took the wind out of my sails losing him. But I want to start again x

        Liked by 1 person

      • So glad things are a bit smoother for you. We continue with my husband’s ongoing multiple aneurysm formation and kidney problems. We have to avoid stress.
        Being creative helps and I try to paint, take photos or write. An extract from my novel was broadcast on Radio Scotland last week and they are going to put some poetry on. So, a little bit of encouragement!
        Happy Easter to you when it comes. I know your faith, or the One in whom you place your faith will carry you through!
        If you go into Tewksbury Abbey you will see about three sculptures by my friend Peter Eugene Ball…. xx

        Liked by 1 person

      • I do hope your husband stays reasonably well x I often go into Tewkesbury Abbey so I will certainly look out for the sculptures, thank you.
        I’m so glad you can get restorative pleasure from your creativity. I’m trying to get back to writing and I’ve joined an art class. Anything creative is good for the mind, body and soul I find.
        We must meet up in Burgord when the weather improves. Actually it was lovely today x

        Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, they have that nice courtyard behind the new Memorial Hall at the church. I find that if you go about 1.45 they will still provide paninis etc and it is quieter as most people have eaten and gone! Let me know if you think of coming over.
        We are going to Cheltenham tomorrow to leave the car for its service, so will be wandering around there!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. I came here after visiting your Adlestrop post. I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my father to the virus a few months ago – we were at least able to have ten people at the funeral and had video streaming, which made it a little easier to stop people travelling.

    I hope your health continues to improve.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so much. I am so sorry to hear that your father died too. Unless they know someone affected so tragically, it is hard for people to comprehend how serious the virus is.
      That is partly why I wrote the post. The other reason is to let some of the pain, anger and grief out!
      I am much better thank you but I don’t think I will ever be ‘better’.

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  9. Ah, it is hard to lose your loved one, harder now in these strange times where the rituals are not there to cushion the grief inthe first moments. I was a young widow, but that was 17 years ago, in a normal time. My Deepest Condolences to you and your family. I hope that your body, heart and soul heal as well as they can from this hard thing.

    Much love.

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  10. I’m so very sorry to read about the dreadful time you’ve had, which has had no happy ending. You seem to be displaying a great deal of resilience and fortitude, and it’s good to know you have friends who are helping you to cope.

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  11. Oh Brenda, I feel your pain and wish I could wrap my arms around you right now. I extend my condolences and all the love you need to help you through this trying time. I’ve linked to this article in the comments on my blog post that you visited, and I’m now following you. Take care, my friend ❤️

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  12. I am so sorry.. i live in the U.S. in an area where people believe the virus is either a hoax, a way to take away people’s freedom, or being blown totally out of proportion. People insist on going on with life as usual and the numbers continue to rise. And all the while our president is saying COVID-19 is nothing to be afraid of. The whole situation is so sad.

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  13. Dear Brenda, I was very sad to read your honest and moving post, which came straight from your lovely heart. I am so sorry for your loss, and grateful to you for sharing this.

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Dear Brenda,
    Your account is so honest and so raw, and I think that as Gerry was denied a funeral with friends and family not being able to be there to say goodbye, they can in a way with your photo. When I saw it, I blessed him, I’m sure others would to. You loved him with ALL your heart, you can’t do wrong, when it comes from a loving heart xxx

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  16. Oh Brenda, to see your pain in writing is absolutely heartbreaking but in reading of the love and happiness you shared with dear Gerry there is a message of hope and resurrection. Lots of love. X

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you Anne and sincere thanks for the exquisite Inspire Bible and our beautiful walk to Prinknash. Seeing the beauty of the Autumn trees and the hills around the Cotswolds today has lifted my spirits enormously 🙏🏻

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  17. Many people around the world think the virus was a hoax or just another flu but blown out of proportion. One of them is Mr Trump, who has by now realized that his assessment was all wrong. Sorry to hear about the ordeal and pain of losing your better half. It is an unprecedented situation and the victims are not at fault in any way. One cannot avoid feeling emotional while reading this. Thoughts and prayers.

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  18. What a terrible ordeal, Brenda, and thanks for sharing it with us. We send our sincere condolences to you and your loved ones on the passing of your husband and the difficult circumstances that followed. His soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you so much 🙏🏻
      He was a good, kind man who did no harm to anyone and a lot of good to many. He is loved and missed by all his family and friends. I’m sure he is at peace now and I visit his grave often for comfort 🕊

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      • My dear mother and father died over 20 yrs ago and I feel their presence in my heart to this day and talk to them often. You & Gerry certainly went through such an ordeal. That is your strength Brenda. We so admire your courage and in spite of all you are still full of hope. Bless you dear friend.xx

        Liked by 1 person

      • I share your feelings about losing parents Sheila. In fact I visited their grave yesterday after visiting Gerry. I’m ‘lucky’ in that they are all buried in the same local cemetery and that actually brings comfort too 🕊

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  21. Dear Brenda, thank you for sharing your very traumatic story of losing dear Gerry and your own illness with Covid. What a devastating and lonely time for you and your family. So sad, but what a beautiful tribute to such a kind, handsome gentleman that he was. Your writing again, conjures up such a vivid account of this nightmare situation that we are facing as a nation. God bless both you and Gerry xxx

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you Lorraine x it’s taken me a long time to be able to express how I feel about everything. Can you tell me honestly should I take out the coffin photo? I’m not sure about leaving it in. My reasoning is that lots of my readers are in The Far East and they might find it interesting. But I don’t want to upset anyone x

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  22. Brenda I have just read this with tears in my eyes. I am so very sorry for the truly awful time you’ve had. My heart bleeds for you. Thank goodness you have lovely family that you can share your memories with. God bless you and let His face shine upon you. With lots of love and hugs my smiley friend. Xxx

    Liked by 1 person

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