While I endure the pain I am experiencing due to multiple vertebral fractures resulting from the totally avoidable clerical errors made by the University of Chicago, and while I am sad for all I have missed over the past few years on this account, and especially on the recent holidays -- days (at least pre-COVID-19) for gathering with family and friends -- I must also consider that the restrictions now occasioned by this pain may also be reducing my risk of contracting COVID-19. (https://joanscovid19blog.blogspot.com)
I have not been able to join family or friends at the beach, picnics, movies or concerts or other enjoyable summertime events. The pain is just too severe if I am sitting up or standing for more than an hour or so.
But this year, these activities would also pose risks for me -- especially at my age -- of contracting COVID-19. So right now my only activities beyond the walls of my apartment (where I live alone without visitors or household help) are occasional walks around the block and medical appointments.
A painfully broken back is not something I'd recommend as a prophylactic approach to COVID-19, but since it was bestowed upon me by my University of Chicago doctors, I might as well treat it as a gift -- even when it hurts!
So thanks, University of Chicago -- even with the pain I deal with every single day of my life, your monumental clerical screwup may turn out to be providential!
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