Momentous

This past weekend was a truly joyous and momentous weekend. After a seven year struggle, my dad was ordained as a deacon in the Catholic church.

For those who don’t know, it’s a very big deal. Deacons are ministers and reverends, able to do a lot of the same actions as a priest. They pledge themselves to the church and to its people. They are also one of an incredibly small group of Catholics who are able to receive all seven sacraments of the Catholic church.

The weekend is also a big deal. Traditionally, the weekend starts with the actual ordination mass where those who have completed their years of study and preparation officially become deacons in front of a packed church. Next, they perform blessings, where they pray over friends, family, and others in attendance.

The weekend also features at least one, but usually multiple masses where the new deacon gives his first sermon at his home church. There is also usually also a reception after the mass, a reception at the deacon’s home church, and at least one party for family and friends.

Because of covid, a lot of the traditional events had to be scrapped and replaced with digital and socially distanced versions while still trying to involve as much of the friends and family as possible.

What this meant for me as immediate family was that while the weekend wasn’t as intense as it could have been, it was still really busy.

Dad had ordination mass with just immediate family. For us, that still includes a whole bunch of grandkids (6 out of a possible 8 children), who had to be dressed up and herded to church.

Dad also had two sermons to give at church and digital options that had to be worked out for all of these events for all the friends and family who couldn’t make it.

For me, it was the biggest test of my recovery so far. And I am happy to say that I made it through.

There were a few factors that helped. First, the pure adrenaline and excitement of the moment. Second, the natural boost of energy that I get from being around children, especially my nieces and nephews. Third, the help of my parents who, thanks to their health issues, are chronic pain gurus. Fourth, the grace of God. Let’s face it, some of what got me through this was simply nothing under my control. Finally, I have to hand it to my new medication. It did help me get through this.

My pill did its job. It may not have given me a lot of added energy. But, it did keep me awake. I made it through everything.

I was tired. At points, I had difficulty thinking. I also had trouble with my appetite and I had a lot of pain. But, my parents helped me manage the pain. My stimulant medication kept me awake. And, I made it.

And then, afterwards, I crashed. I experienced post-exertional malaise where I felt nauseous, tired, in pain, confused. But, my parents helped me through that, too. And it wasn’t nearly as bad as it could’ve been.

The morning after was really rough. But, the afternoon was a bit better. I was able to sleep off the worst effects.

My stimulant keeps me awake but also interferes with my ability to sleep. So, I skipped it yesterday and today so that I could catch up on rest, which has helped tremendously.

By last night, my level of pain was down to where I could manage through it. I was also still a bit nauseous and still having some trouble with appetite. This morning, I am still tired. But, less fatigued than I thought I might be and in less pain than I thought I would be.

All in all, I mark this weekend down as a success. Most importantly, it was a wonderful moment for my family that I was so happy to be a part of.

Words can’t express how much I have missed my nieces and nephews and my whole family. Words also can’t express the joy and pride that I feel for my dad, my parents, my family- to have made it through all the hardship and to this huge accomplishment.

We did it. We did it as a family.

#covid #spirituality #voicesofthevirus #longcovid #religion