COVID-19 Hits Home

The coronavirus has officially hit home. Not my actual home, but my father's. He's single, turning 77 on Wednesday and lives alone in NYC.  Just last week I was having a conversation with him explaining that he needs to start taking this all seriously.  "Enough with the dating, stop taking the subway and limit you work hours!" was basically the conversation we had.  His response... "Really? Why? I can't stop working! I need the money."  Fast forward a week later and he is now quarantined at home, alone, dealing with corona.  Its obvious he has it, he just hasn't been tested yet. Not that he hasn't tried. He had a test scheduled at NYU for tomorrow and they just cancelled. Just like that.  No warning, no explanation.  The hardest part of all this is not being able to see him. To care for him. To know he is ok.  Normally, he's my self-sufficient, hard working,  supportive father who doesn't need someone to watch over him. But, when I didn't hear from him until 4 yesterday afternoon, I panicked. Do I call 911? Do I call the doorman? Should I get in my car and check on him myself, exposing me and my family? What's the protocol? Fortunately, I didn't have to do that.  When I finally did speak to him he didn't sound great. The experimental medicine his doctor gave him has given him side effects and he has a severe sore throat that makes it hard to talk.  No fever though and no shortness of breath, so right now its just rest and ride it out.  I took his doctor's number in case, told him to make sure he checks in with me when he wakes up every morning and send me a list of stuff he needs and I will make sure it gets delivered. I know I am not the only one dealing with a family member affected by this, having to figure out the right course of action, scared for what lies ahead. But I just continue to pray, to be there for my father and my family and continue to tell myself that this too shall pass. Remember, you are not alone. We Are All In This Together.