Let's get candid about COVID

COVID-19 is real, and it's affected all of us. I've been at the forefront of the state and local response to coronavirus since day one. I've written numerous articles on the testing, the tracing, the precautions and the statistics. I've also heard from real people who have been impacted by this virus. Then I became one of "those people." You know, the ones who test positive for COVID-19.

It all happened so fast, enough to make my head spin and my temperature rise (literally). One day I was writing a story about local cowgirl Connie Soderholm finishing in the top 10 at the Roughrider Rodeo Finals, and the next I had a hard time getting out of bed.

As a local media source, the "Transcript" is considered an essential service. We had not closed for even one day since the pandemic started. Our door was open, and we were out and around the community covering what matters most to you. We've kept our focus on local issues, trying hard to strike the right balance between reporting about the pandemic and continuing to cover life as it happens in our rural area.

I don't know where I got COVID. What I do know is that I put myself in one situation where I didn't exactly feel comfortable, and I ended up sick three days later. To make matters worse, not only did I get sick, but so did other staff members at the Transcript. Closing down the office was the hardest thing I've ever had to do as a professional.

The good news is we made it! As I sit here at my desk finishing this piece, we are preparing to reopen and working feverishly (figuratively, of course) to get this issue ready for press. And it has started to feel normal again, after long two weeks that was anything but normal or ordinary.

My head is clear, and I don't get tired nearly as easily. Those headaches were among the worst I've had, and the fatigue was not something I was prepared to sideline me for as many days as it did. But I made it!

Like the governor, I will conclude with gratitude. First, I am grateful to the staff at CHI St. Alexius Carrington for making that rapid test available. I had a test and a result within three hours of my phone call to the clinic. Yes, my timing was good, but their attention was great. Having that swab deep in my nose was an experience I will not forget. I must have been one of the lucky ones too, because I got two swabs. When they couldn't get deep enough on the left nostril, the nurse went for round two on the right side. Ouch!

I am also grateful for my family who took care of me, including three great kids who made lots of meals and did lots of dishes during our two-week quarantine. I owe you!

I am grateful to the staff that worked through unpleasant symptoms and in between much-needed naps in order to remotely cover meetings, 2020 election results and other local matters. As a result, Transcript readers had a newspaper in their hands these past two weeks. I think that was the most "normal" thing about this whole experience.

Finally, I'm grateful to this community for keeping the news, information and advertising coming, even when our doors were closed. It kept us focused on the endgame, producing a product that all of our readers enjoy in their homes, at their desks and on their phones.

Until I see you again, be well and stay safe! And don't forget to wear your mask!!