A Better Birthday Than Expected In Lockdown

I never ever thought I would say (or think) this on the day I turn 41. A negative COVID-19 test result. Let me explain.

I live in a city (Sydney, Australia) with a strict lockdown in place, all on the back of the delta COVID-19 strain getting out of control back in June 2021. All of Sydney (including the Central Coast, South Coast and Blue Mountains) has been in lockdown since the end of June, and lockdown will not be lifted until at least six million residents in New South Wales receive at least the first shot of the vaccine. That means 2.1 million people need to roll up their sleeves and get the first shot, considering that supplies are low; and the city I live in is begging for vaccines from other states in Australia. That is not a Birthday present in itself, even though the above was announced on the news on my Birthday yesterday, as at the time of writing this. I will be receiving the first AstraZeneca shot (finally) on Sunday week, all going well.

Ironically, the day after I booked in my vaccine appointment, and the day before my Birthday, I found out (by the relevant health authority) that I am a casual contact of a positive COVID-19 infection, from a place I visited a week ago. Yes, scary stuff, having to attend my local hospital for the PCR, surprised with a high turnout of other young people needing the test.

I woke up to a few beautiful text messages, with one of them being a text message concerning my COVID-19 test results. So nice to be free from home quarantine now, and my partner was equally as excited to come over later.

I am busy working away (as the day before was a complete write off, due to being swabbed unexpectedly, and this time not by choice), with many phone calls, having to have great time keeping skills for shift reports and timesheets. The heartfelt messages were flowing in nice and fast.

Another cool disruption. My intercom goes off, and armed with my face mask on ready to open the knocking door; I have been given some beautiful flowers from London, and amazingly from my brother and his wife, who both have just recovered from this awful COVID-19. How could I be so lucky? It took a while to make this relationship fruitful, and the dividends were reaped on my Birthday (the 3rd of August 2021) when I needed it the most, only a few days in of having to take natural anxiety supplements temporarily.

The surprises kept coming in. My sister, of who lives 8kms away calls, and in 10 minutes flat, she parks right outside my apartment, with my older niece, and they bring the family dog, to help bring me some more joy for celebrating a Birthday in a harsh lockdown. Thankfully there is a park across the road, and this beautiful King Charles Spaniel (Tri Colour) is marking his territory, from the Inner West to the North Shore. Despite the need to social distance, and wear face masks; I was blown away with this unexpected act of kindness. I also received a bag with a couple of pastry cakes, some spaghetti bolognese, and a bottle of red wine. Just their company alone for 15 minutes was the best Birthday present of all - no presents needed. "It sucks to be locked away, all by yourself, and this is the least I could do," my sister enthuses. Really grateful for healthy relationships with family, cultivated over the years.

Phone calls and text messages are always nice, and they do carry more weight, gratitude, and significance on a Birthday in a COVID-19 lockdown.

Last but not least, my partner comes over and orders in a pizza, and it is nice for him to enjoy the Pinot Noir I handpicked when I had a shitty day, only to be opened on this special day, where I sneaked in my first glass only moments prior to his visit. The touch and feel of everything is just amazing, even right now to the grass ruffles from the family dog.

My partner said he has a present for me, yet wasn't too sure whether or not he would see me, as I was expecting to be sitting in either of these two camps....

A) I have tested positive for COVID-19 - or:

B) I am still self isolating, awaiting the PCR result to still come to fruition.

The card he provided me was just beautiful, and just his company alone is miraculous, as the restrictions still allow partners to see one another on compassion grounds, even though he had to endure a few minor inconveniences in getting temperature checked, and in having to sign a declaration that he isn't from the red zone areas in coming inside.

A better day than expected in a lockdown, where no shops and restaurants are open. I have the negative test result (as well as the hospital, and the medical staff and pathology team behind that humble white stick) to thank for making this all possible.

Who knew that a long white stick with two cotton buds on each side would present the best Birthday gift of all. Thank you, and may the celebrations continue. Happy Birthday fellow lions.