A

This is the second time I have entertained Covid, both reluctantly.

The first time was in 2020 when the caller also brought a "Visitor." Because I was caught unprepared for their arrival, I didn't see the caller's companion until shortly before EMT arrived to take me for my first ambulance ride.

As I lay in wait, I watched an elderly gentleman standing slightly to the side, quietly unobtrusive. I recognized him first by his distinctive sport jacket, one my father in law seemed never to relinquish.

I immediately realized who it was. The elderly gentleman was my husband's Dad, a soft spoken man. Although we had shared a comfortable relationship before his death, Mr. A had never been a major force either in my life or marriage,

During the ten years of marriage to his son, I had never been invited to address him by any other title than "Mr".

Consequently, I wondered through a fog of delirium why it was he who came rather than my own beloved Father. Despite the illness, I was able to comprehend he was sent and was waiting to be my companion if needed.

However, that memorable night in 2020 a companion wasn't required, and the incident soon forgotten.

Until 2024 when Covid returned with a violence I will never be able to forget. This time it came alone without a visible companion,

Finally, early on Day 8, Covid departed. Now as I sit weak and weary, thoughts and questions flood my mind despite the flickering TV screen.

My beloved was ill for four years, or perhaps longer without any recognition of the precarious turn his life had taken,

Several times during that period as I sat in different hospitals, in various parts of the vast state of NY, he mentioned a"visitor,"

Once again, it wasn't someone I would expect to be at his bedside along with me or his four children.

No, instead it was always a charismatic friend and distant relative, JB

JB was a decade older and once envied until 911 took his hero son's life. Soon afterwards the charismatic father followed his beloved boy.

Six years later. while in several different hospital rooms, my husband spoke about JB's visits.

Again, I pondered about the significance of A Visitor, but not for very long until recently.

During the past when Covid invaded other homes. I have not been alone battling the new strain. Yesterday I learned of several other new cases, one a quite distant female relative.

Now slowly remembering as I sift through the mounds of unopened emails, I discover one from the elderly woman. While welcome, it is a surprise since we do not communicate often.

It is also terse asking only if I remember Sister T who she once met in my home decades ago,

And I knew she, too, has had a visitor,