The flu’s really tearing its way through everyone this year. Danielle and her husband and kids are all sick (they got hit with a stomach bug and the flu one after the other 😵‍💫), and my parents both got hit hard. My brother can’t come down to visit as was planned, because my parents don’t want to risk transmitting it to him. For the same reasons, I’ve mostly been sequestered in my room in hopes of not catching it. I think we’ll be postponing our family celebration for at least a few days. Given that I also got my COVID and flu jabs later in the year than usual (literally and coincidentally the same day my dad first started showing symptoms), I’m also probably not going to go visiting any of my friends until the new year.

On top of that, my friend Sparkle just let me know that she’s been hospitalized with what she originally thought was the flu, but actually turned out to be an ovarian cyst. 😭 She lives in the US at the moment, but her wife lives in Canada and is flying down to see her. I just hope her wife’s travels are safe and uneventful, given everything going on in the US right now. Cross-border travel is . . . ill-advised for Canadians these days, especially if they’re not white. Sparkle’s wife is biracial.

Lennora seems to be doing okay so far, and I hope that holds out for her. She told me she wishes she had that day bed she’s been thinking of buying so she could offer it to me as a place to wait out my parents’ flu. Honestly, though, I’m doing okay for now. I think I’m approaching the point where both of my parents will no longer be contagious, so just a few more days until I can be pretty sure I’m safe, I guess. And even if Christmas ends up being quiet, I have plenty with which to entertain myself, including two very snuggly cats. I just feel bad for everyone else! 🥺

I hope your holiday season is going well and that you’re able to stay healthy and safe. Times are tough, but I hope you can find joy where you’re able.