Scared!
R.A.G.E
Representing All Genuine Expressions
Because every voice matters!
It was 11:36 AM on Thursday, April 30, 2020, I trudged down the stairs into my garage and got into my car slowly. I turned the radio up loud to drown out my thoughts. I was on the way to get tested for COVID-19. Three days before, I had a low-grade fever, cough, and chills. I was scared. What if I had the coronavirus? What would I do then?
I got to the testing facility in Georgia Tech's parking deck. When you drive up, there's signage stating to keep your windows rolled up. The first point of contact was a police officer holding up a sign asking if you had an appointment. If you shook your head yes, then you were waved through to the next checkpoint. At the second checkpoint, you had a worker handing you paperwork and telling you to fill it out. They then instructed you to leave it on your dash. Next, you were guided to the testing area where the first medical worker in full PPE checked your paperwork. They filled out the medical form for you. Now you couldn't roll down your window, so you had to hold up your documents, pressing it to the glass along with your ID so she could get the information. Once that’s done, the next healthcare worker handed you the swab – that looked like an extra-long Q-tip and explained how you should insert the swab into your own nose. You stick the swab back into the package, and then they direct you to a parking spot to wait for a call from another healthcare provider with your results.
The agony was in the waiting. I sat in my car, trying not to let my imagination run ramped, thinking of all of the negative possibilities. Thank God for Kindle. I read to take my mind off of my impending results. Finally, after 15 minutes, I received my call. My test results were negative. I just had a cold. Relief washed over me. I was safe.
I only had a glimpse of what people who are sick are going through daily. I can't even imagine the emotional roller coaster that our healthcare providers, grocery store workers, and other essential workers are going through.
They have to face this uncertainty and unknowing every single day.
Judging by the stream of cars with people waiting to get tested, I would say that this virus has a good majority of people in Georgia scared. This pandemic is far from over. People still need to follow the CDC protocols to help control this virus. People are dying out there. The more of us that refuse to do our part to shelter in place, stay six feet apart, wash hands and protect the vulnerable, we are putting all of our essential workers in harm's way.
Please consider using your RAGE to help someone else in need! I am still donating to www.feedingamerica.org. They are a hunger relief organization with a nationwide network of food banks feeding the hungry. You can donate directly or through my Facebook birthday fundraiser: https://www.facebook.com/jlbrantle/. Or research a charity that's donating PPE and give. If anyone knows of a charity that's donating PPE, please let me know, and I will add it to the next blog.
If you have some RAGE to express, contact me at admin@poetryinmotionii.com. I'm featuring bloggers, writers, poets, and more. You don't have to express outrage, it could be positive enlightening stores or anything in general. You don't have to be a seasoned writer. This is a safe space to express your emotions!
I look forward to reading and posting your stories.
Until next time – Enjoy the journey!
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