My Christmas is Squashed
Added 2023-12-22 10:25:43 +0000 UTCIt was going to be the first time in a long time my sister and my parents and I would be together for Christmas. I was going to go down and spend the night. My mother had a huge dinner planned....turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, biscuits. Christmas morning my mom planned out brunch. I was really excited about all of this considering how awful last Christmas was.
Today I got a text. My sister who along with my brother in law are temporarily living at my parent’s house while their new home is being prepared for move in. Anyway, I got the text....my sister tested positive for covid. She’s really sick with fever and chills and body aches. She has to quarantine in her room until she feels better and tests negative. Now my parents are testing themselves and my brother in law is starting to feel sick. My mom is still going to make dinner but our friends and other family members have all cancelled. My mom said she is going to pass my a plate on Christmas Day. I tried to rent a giant event tent from a local company with heaters and tables inside so we could all be far apart and still have dinner. Not one of the companies had any tents left. They’ve all been rented out.
I worried about my parents being in the house. They’re both older and have never had covid. I real Christmas miracle is needed. I’m not trying to drum up sympathy here. I’ve grown accustomed to Christmas sucking every year. It’ll be okay.
January is the start of a new chapter in my life. I want to work and travel and make awesome new content. I need to be brave and prepared for the things I need to do to be well. I’m NOT going to continue living like this anymore. I need to work on myself and I can’t do it without doctors. I have such deep rooted fears of going for medical exams. I plan on facing my fear head on this year and get back to the point where I can go and be okay with it.
I needed a couple months to prepare myself which is why I’m waiting until the 1st. I’ve had a lot of talks with myself. I’ve had a lot of nightmares too. Doesn’t matter though. I will be okay and I will be working on myself, my art and my life. I love you guys and I really wish all of you the best holiday ever.
I’ll post some new stuff soon.
-Dan
Comments
I had covid this past holiday season thx to one of my coworkers who was only on quarantine one day before coming back to work & touching everything. He made 4 of us sick.
Sugar
2024-01-08 01:58:15 +0000 UTCHang in there, Dan! So sorry you and your family had a crappy holiday 😢
Christina Noelle
2024-01-04 12:01:39 +0000 UTCSame exact thing happened to me, Dan. Two days before Christmas, my sister tested positive and we had to cancel everything. It’s all I’d been looking forward to after having a really shitty time at work all month. I’m sorry to hear you had the same experience and I hope you were able to salvage the holiday at least a little.
Ashlee Wynne
2024-01-03 03:58:53 +0000 UTCThere is a podcast that explains it on here. I believe it's "End of an Era / Rick Officially Fired"
Lora Watson
2023-12-28 21:34:50 +0000 UTCIm sorry, havent been on here for a while now. Can someone tell me what happened with Rick? I miss him.
Katy
2023-12-28 13:01:17 +0000 UTCI hope your sister recovers quickly and that your parents don’t get sick. Like them, I haven’t gotten Covid either and worry about getting it every time I go out. Hang in there, Dan, 2024 will be your year!!😊
AJ Vintage
2023-12-28 01:06:46 +0000 UTCI got covid for Christmas too. It sucks... Couldn't go see tso w/ my brother that I've been wanting to do for years... Then the radiator on my video card died so I can't even attempt to wfh.... Probably won't be able to go to the first big family Christmas gathering that my family is having on NYE because of covid. 🤕
Rapids444
2023-12-28 00:09:22 +0000 UTCHope you'll get better soon, Jennifer!
SwedishChef1977
2023-12-26 10:41:28 +0000 UTCDan, I'm so sorry about your sister. Going to doctors is a good thing. Love you and merry Christmas
Donna Marie
2023-12-25 15:40:56 +0000 UTCMerry Christmas everyone.
Donna Marie
2023-12-25 15:39:47 +0000 UTCLove ya Dan ❤️
Tina
2023-12-24 22:53:07 +0000 UTCMerry Christmas and happy new year 🎉
Caroline Margaret P
2023-12-24 01:33:18 +0000 UTCDan, plan a get together with your family later in the NewYear. I’m sorry that your plans didn’t jell but I’m praying for a speedy recovery for your family. I had some plans that were canceled due to Covid also . I love you much and wish you the absolute best this holiday season and in the New Year!🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Cathy Byers
2023-12-23 22:10:28 +0000 UTCHang in thier Dan! Your community is right here!
Vinny Delahaye
2023-12-23 16:00:41 +0000 UTCFrom what ive herd your parents are fighters!
Vinny Delahaye
2023-12-23 16:00:01 +0000 UTCIt sure isn't a normal flu. I have pinkeye in both of my eyes from covid right now, apparently the strain going around now can cause it!
Jennifer Heggesta
2023-12-23 08:30:52 +0000 UTCThat really sucks. I am recovering from a fight with Covid at this very moment. At the peak of the infection I had serious body aches, suffered from total exhaustion and even had some difficulties breathing properly. People who say that "Covid is just a normal flu" obviously don't know what they're talking about. Although I probably don't have the virus in my system at this point, I'm still gonna cancel Christmas celebrations with my parents. Better to be safe than sorry. Hope your sister gets well soon! Take care Dan, and here's to a better 2024!
SwedishChef1977
2023-12-23 04:01:29 +0000 UTCDan, that sucks. I’m not having the greatest holiday season either. I’m broke (but started a second job), I’ve had to borrow just to get my kid home from college, but I also have a plan & am not going to give up. Love you!! 💕
Tee Vee
2023-12-22 21:27:25 +0000 UTCyou know you are welcome here. I mean that.
Lesley Quesadaaaaaa
2023-12-22 20:01:19 +0000 UTCI'm sorry, Dan. Duy and I will be here with no family for Christmas too. I think your goal for the new year is great. I need to do the same myself! Let's motivate each other! (If you remember our convos, I have medical fears too) Love ya!!
Heather Ray
2023-12-22 19:44:10 +0000 UTCWe are all here for you Dan❤️. You are appreciated you are loved as well as your family. Your work is absolutely beautiful and you have helped me so much get through some really tough times here in my neck of the woods. You have touched my heart. Your talent has no boundaries! Peace love and light always from Kansas ✌️❣️☀️🌻❣️💪💯
Nancy A Wheeler aka nancymomfam
2023-12-22 19:32:52 +0000 UTCOmg same thing at my place except we already traveled to my parents from different towns/countries. Sister has Covid. I might have it (3 day migraine so far) but testing negative. Thankfully my parents both got a booster shot recently. My mom has dementia and my dad has an autoimmune disease. I am also scared of the doctor but I feel immense relief once it’s over. Maybe treat yourself to something nice as a reward for going. Like you I quit smoking. I’ve completed 2 years no cigs. Now I’m tackling the weight gain that came with quitting. I’m 20 pounds down, need to lose like 5 or 10 more. Trying to also cut down or completely stop my weed smoking and beer consumption. It’s tough but I’m feeling better than I did in my 30s. I hope you can have a nice holiday despite the obstacles. Merry Christmas Dan 🥰
Kristin
2023-12-22 18:29:53 +0000 UTCAh shit. You're welcome to come to Xmas in NJ if you want
Dooner
2023-12-22 18:08:49 +0000 UTCI’m so sorry, Dan. Covid sucks! Well wishes to you and your family 💗
Kim Carr
2023-12-22 17:45:03 +0000 UTCMerry Christmas and Happy New Year Dan. I'll put your family in my prayers and enjoy yourself on Christmas. Make it your best ever no matter the situation.
Kimbra
2023-12-22 17:16:11 +0000 UTCOh no! I'm so sorry to hear all of that Dan. I feel your pain, having a bad Christmas one year puts pressure on the next Christmas to make up for it. BUT - at least this Christmas won't be full of the same drama as last year, so there's that. I hope everyone in your family recovers quickly. Kudos for focusing on the next year and staying positive. Yes, doctors are important :) I put off having shoulder/bicep surgery for 20 years because I wanted to avoid it (out of fear of the pain and recovery, and anaesthesia) and finally got it recently. I keep asking myself why I waited so long. Being scared of taking big steps to take care of myself was holding me back. And it's never too late to start taking care of yourself! PS - you can come down south and hang with me over Christmas if you want, it might be 1 degree warmer! ;) Feel better and no pressure Dan, make content at your own pace, I'm just along for the ride!
Carrie Cantwell
2023-12-22 15:44:07 +0000 UTCMissed thanksgiving due to testing for covid. A lot of 'long timers' who'd managed to dodge covid for years ended up getting it.
Cannonbull
2023-12-22 14:47:10 +0000 UTCI’m sorry to hear this Dan, that’s really a huge bummer. My family and I just got over Covid, and my parents being in there upper 60s thankfully were able to get Paxlovid which stopped covid from getting worse and they started feeling better after taking it for 2 days. If you folks test positive, have them talk to there doctor immediately and see if they can get prescribed some. I really hope your sister starts to feel better soon!
Joe powell
2023-12-22 14:39:02 +0000 UTCSee if your parents can get Paxlovid. It may be covered if they have a health plan. It takes away symptoms and cuts the duration of COVID short.
Lindsay Inglis
2023-12-22 13:50:05 +0000 UTCHolidays suck. Especially when family is forced apart or refuses to communicate with each other about issues. I'm sorry Dan
Catrina Beverly
2023-12-22 13:38:31 +0000 UTCSorry to hear this Dan. ☹️ I hope your sister gets well soon!!! You are always in my prayers. Praying for safety and health for you and your family. Merry Christmas Dan🩷 xoxo!!!
Obeez
2023-12-22 13:23:13 +0000 UTCCOVID sucks. Got it for the first time this year and I was miserable. Yes to the New Year....I'm 48, turning 49 in February and I have 100 lbs to lose....let's do this!!!
Katrina Okalski
2023-12-22 13:22:04 +0000 UTC❤️
Dan Bell
2023-12-22 12:54:03 +0000 UTCamber congrats!!! i’ll be 47 in february and feel the same way you did. i’m ready to take this seriously and take better care of myself. i have lots more i want to do before a mortician is violating my corpse.
Dan Bell
2023-12-22 12:52:17 +0000 UTCThis time of year sucks for many of us too. Since my marriage broke down six years ago my parents don't talk to me because my mum blames me for destroying HER family. It hurts I have a wonderful daughter but she's busy with her own life and I won't see her now till boxing day night. I now have a painful back tooth which has no hope of getting repaired until after the new year. Its a month of false jollity. I have happily remarried so I wont be alone at Christmas, but life is different now. I have never heard so many people say they'll be glad when it's all over. You're certainly not alone ❤️❤️❤️
Nicky Ginn
2023-12-22 12:27:21 +0000 UTCMy parents had Covid last year and they’re both immune compromised and thankfully vaxxed and boosted. My dad spent a few days in the hospital and then rehab to get back on his feet. My mother is 4’11” and about 80 lbs and it was hard for her, but she made it through. My point is that your parents will be fine if they are careful and keep pushing fluids. My mother was constantly dehydrated. Does your building have a large conference room that you could use? It breaks my heart for you. As hard as Christmas is for you and you were going to really celebrate big this year. 🤦♀️ God bless you Dan. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. 🙏🫶🏼
Candi Benson
2023-12-22 12:23:50 +0000 UTCSo sorry about Covid ruining your plans for Christmas! Maybe you can all celebrate Christmas at a later date? I've known families having to do that because of sickness or work schedules, etc. It won't be on Christmas day, but at least you can look forward to gathering for a nice meal at another time. I hope your sister and her husband feel better soon and pray that your parents will not end up coming down with it.
Maria
2023-12-22 12:03:45 +0000 UTCVery sweet 😺
Kathryn Frampton
2023-12-22 11:52:52 +0000 UTCSorry to hear Dan. This happened to my family a couple Christmases ago and I realized the 25th means nothing, we had our Christmas a couple weeks after and it felt no different then having it on the day. It's about family and love and catching up from the last year, not a physical date.
Kyle Lennan
2023-12-22 11:46:12 +0000 UTCOh, I’m sorry about your cats. My boys are both seniors now. The elder (pictured) is 16 and has multiple health issues. I’m hoping he makes it to 18. The other is in great shape.
XineMarieMcD
2023-12-22 11:33:56 +0000 UTCI hope your Sister feels better Dan. Lots of unrealistic expectations are placed on people in the busiest days of the year. Au contraire, tis the time to relax and heal for the next year up ahead.
Gio Persico
2023-12-22 11:31:36 +0000 UTCHi, Dan. I’m awake at 5fucking30 because I just finished cleaning cat puke off my bed (thankyouverymuch, Jake!) and I can’t get back to sleep. I’m sorry your sister is so sick. I got Covid twice in spite of having all the shots and boosters. Covid is no picnic. I feel for her. And I feel for you. This can be a rough time of year and having some events to look forward to is especially helpful, so having those plans change or get cancelled really blows.
XineMarieMcD
2023-12-22 11:28:54 +0000 UTCWell you'll have the cats at least 😊. My 20 yr old cat passed away last year then my 16 yr old cat this year. I'm ok being on my own. My post was more of a joking nature ...like I'm living in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation lol.
Kathryn Frampton
2023-12-22 11:26:45 +0000 UTCNice! Yep! Peace to you, Dan.
XineMarieMcD
2023-12-22 11:19:01 +0000 UTCCongrats on quitting smoking and dropping weight. Both are tough, I know. And I just cut off 2 “friends,” which felt good.
XineMarieMcD
2023-12-22 11:17:00 +0000 UTCYou know, better safe than sorry. You all can get together for the New Year dinner. It can still happen, just later.
Angelina D'Elia
2023-12-22 11:14:18 +0000 UTCCOVID is the worst. It's been going around horribly again. Last year my bf and I both got it the weekend of my birthday and it about killed me. I still I have issues from it be. Be safe and healthy this holiday Dan, I look forward to what 2024 has in store!
Levi Hall
2023-12-22 11:13:50 +0000 UTCI’m sorry you’ve got debilitating health issues. I get it — I have advanced osteoarthritis in both knees and both shoulders. I don’t even TRY to put up a tree. 😏 And I had to put my mom into memory care 2.5 yrs ago. I’ll be home w the cats Xmas Eve, but will see friends for dinner Xmas Day. Holidays aren’t what they used to be these days, but I try to make the best of everything. What else can we do?
XineMarieMcD
2023-12-22 11:13:46 +0000 UTCSorry to hear that Dan l can understand where you are coming from being fearful your parents might get it. I have my Mum who has poor health. So l know what your going through in relation to covid. It's a giant pain in the butt friends of mine are getting it over here as well and have to self isolate ruining family Christmas plans. So you are not alone take care l hope all turns out well.
Deirdre Beale
2023-12-22 11:13:42 +0000 UTCAll the best wishes to you and your family Dan and I hope they will all be well soon!! You never know, sometimes older people get through COVID even better than young healthy people, my friend’s 106 year old grandmother got through it fine so hopefully if your parents do get it they will be ok. I’m high risk due to health issues but I only had a cough and a bit of dizziness.
Rhiannon
2023-12-22 11:08:08 +0000 UTCYou and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully no one else gets it and your sister makes a full recovery soon. 🙏
Sara Wright
2023-12-22 11:03:38 +0000 UTCIf there's one thing I've definitely learned, it's that life has a way of sneaking up behind you and snatching down your shorts in the middle of gym class. I was hoping for a better Xmas this year too, but it looks like that's not going to happen either. All I know to do, and the only advice I can offer is to find something you love doing and at spend a little time doing that while everything else is going on. For me it's riding my motorcycle. That's something that I can do that always clears my mind and helps to refresh my soul when the rest of the world seems like everything is just crazy and out of control. I know you love your art, whether taking really incredible Polaroids, or out somewhere in a place no one else would even think to enter taking video footage, or just walking through and enjoying the sights that the few of us who really love urbex like to experience. Hell, pick up a paint brush and start on a fresh canvas and just see what appears before your eyes. It's never fun when life does this kind of shit, but kick life in the nuts and spend some time doing something you really enjoy anyway. Make the most of it, and I will too. We'll just go for a better new year and know that we got through this one doing the best we could!
Dan Norman
2023-12-22 11:01:27 +0000 UTCYou and your family are in my thoughts and well wishes. I know how difficult it can be, and have been there - actually currently there mentally. I admitted myself to an inpatient facility last week - mainly to finally get the help I need to change my life around mentally and physically in the next two months. I’ve been putting seeing doctors and addressing my health for over 2 years - since I lost my dog and then shortly after, my mom. Treading water and trying to just keep going, I have a good feeling about the next year, and hope things improve for you as well. You are not alone 💜
Matt-Synth Cordner
2023-12-22 10:47:35 +0000 UTCI completely understand Dan. I’m on my third year of learning how to love myself. What I mean by that now that I’m 47 I had to take my health seriously. So I started to make much better choices when it came to what I ate. Also had to stop smoking. It took me a little over a year but for the first time in my life I lost 100lbs❗️3 years later I have kept it off, and I haven’t stopped yet! First time in my life I went out and bought every hot outfit that I wanted in the stores. It was a fucking Blast❗️🫶🏼🤭💪🏼 Ohh another thing I too got rid of the vampires in my life! ✌🏼You got this Dan ! If I can anyone can lol 😝
Amber
2023-12-22 10:43:31 +0000 UTCThank you, Brook.
Jennifer Heggesta
2023-12-22 10:41:20 +0000 UTCSo sorry your sick got sick Dan just when you were looking forward to a great family Christmas. I sincerely hope she recovers quickly and that your brother in law and parents don't catch it. My Christmas isn't much better. Without discussing it with me, my sister moved my elderly father to a different care home that I can't easily visit . I don't drive and the bus doesn't go to this area. On top of that , I'm on my 2nd week of a sciatica flare-up and can barely walk or function. AND...after spending 5 painful days of decorating my tree...the lights blew. Lol. Merry Christmas Dan . Please take care of yourself and I hope you get something arranged so you can be with your family . Peace and love 💕
Kathryn Frampton
2023-12-22 10:36:40 +0000 UTCWe've all been sick in the last few weeks (young kids and working in a primary school (elementary school) will gift that to you in winter). We agreed that we'd all be together at Christmas time come what may, we're all inoculated and otherwise reasonably healthy. In the UK only health, care and education workers (and the hypervigilant) test for covid now, so most people don't know if they've got it, the flu, a cold or something else. It sounds like you're trying to make the most of a crap situation, Dan, I hope your family are feeling better soon.
Charles Easton
2023-12-22 10:34:16 +0000 UTCI have covid now too. Absolutely miserable. I hope your sister and brother-in-law heal as quickly as possible and your parents don't get it. Such a bad time of year to be sick. I'm sorry you are not having the Christmas you wanted and deserve. 😔
Jennifer Heggesta
2023-12-22 10:33:19 +0000 UTCI wish everything goes well with your sister. I’ve been in that place before. Do you think your parents would consider like a vacation or a staycation lol just trying to help.
Jesus
2023-12-22 10:30:18 +0000 UTCThat sucks Dan! I just recovered from covid. It was pretty awful. Sending you love and positive vibes! Merry Christmas and a Dantabulous New Year!
Billy Drysdale
2023-12-22 10:29:41 +0000 UTCHope everybody feels better.
Brook Shaffer
2023-12-22 10:28:48 +0000 UTCHopefully your folks don't get it Dan and stay safe. I hope a miracle can happen. That illness has been going around my work. Darn rotten. Stay strong and much love for Christmas 🤗🎄
Drew's Adventures
2023-12-22 10:27:26 +0000 UTC
