Lila Johnson's Blog - Posts Tagged "strength"

COVID-19 has been a part of our lives for several days, weeks and months. Cities are on lockdowns. There are long lines to purchase food and personal items. The search for toilet paper, hand sanitizer and nitrile gloves drive everyone into a panic when we find ourselves staring at empty shelves in grocery and warehouse stores. We’re told to stay six feet apart and stand behind the taped markings on the floor. Protective masks have become a part of our everyday dress as evidenced by people seen in public places, employees at jobs that are still open as well as healthcare professionals’ and on and on it goes.
But no matter what happens, we’re a tough bunch. Americans refuse to go down without a fight and fight we must and have been doing. Staying home has provided new challenges for parents whose children are no longer attending school. Schedules have been modified and new hats are worn, those of the teacher-parent. Office workers have created new spaces in their homes because for eight hours it’s still work as usual. But sadly, there are hundreds that are not working at all. Our favorite restaurants are closed and with it are unemployed hostesses, waitresses, waiters, cooks, chefs and other kitchen staff. We have to use the drive-up windows and curbside service for the foods we love while we try to help small businesses to keep going.
And yet, through all the stress, the frustrations, the disappointments and the unknown, we have witnessed kindness. Food kitchens and banks have fed those who have no idea where their next meal will come from. Children that depended on at least one decent meal at school now have a chance for something to eat. We’ve heard about the businesses that are taking out loans so that they can pay their employees at least one more paycheck. Seamstresses and the novices have revved up their sewing machines and learned how to make a simple face mask to protect so many when so little is available.
You wonderful, beautiful people have rallied around the nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and EMT’s that are fighting this deadly disease on the front lines during this madness. You have clapped for us, held up signs to show you care while protesting the representatives on the level of city, state and government to give us what is needed; gloves, gowns, N95 masks or any mask what so ever and ventilators so that we can do our jobs.
So, with a grateful heart, this full-time writer who is also a full-time nurse would like to say to all of you, “Thank you for caring.”
Remember, that courage will carry you to the next day, remaining calm will keep your path in focus and remain confident because this too shall pass.

Hello everyone! First things first. I want to say the past two months were hectic ones. As I worked a contract that handled the last vestiges of the Covid-19 virus, the hours became long and tiring. It was nothing to work 21 hours, rest one day and return to it all over again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining because that is what we, as nurses, do. The medical profession, in times of war and disease in years past, have worked the non ‘standard hours.’ Couple that with a part-time job while working on the manuscript of my sixth novel, well, you get the picture.
So, for two months I had to step back and breathe. Things began to change and I had to make some decisions that were for the best. As I complete the final book in the Fat Girls Club series, I will step away from writing. Self-publishing is tough despite what you may have read or heard. You are the author, editor, publisher, advertiser, seller and bookkeeper. Behind it all, you have to be your own cheerleader, believing in your work and self. I guess I’ve just run out of steam.
This holiday weekend, I hope you do as the title of this article says—breakout! This is also the title of one of my favorite songs by the group, Swingout Sister. Get out there and have a great time with family and friends. Hug and kiss one another while shouting with all the air you have in your lungs that you are grateful to be alive and healthy. Let the sun kiss your lips and wash its energy all over you.
And me? I’m heading to South Carolina to find myself again. It was the first time I worked as a travel nurse, twenty-four years ago. I dared to place my writing in front of people as a freelance newspaper writer in Orangeburg, SC and I developed a passion for photography in the same area. I need the sand on my feet and the smell of the ocean. I look forward to finding my favorite lighthouses along many shores and taking the stairs to the top. The need to explore has taken a hold of me so I plan to follow the path of discovery.
Have a wonderful, safe and fantastic Fourth of July!