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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Ahh, thank you Natalie! It’s funny - just as your comment came in, I got an idea for how to pitch my newsletter to non-haulers. Your message is giving me the confidence to follow through on it 💛

And don’t get me started on the government...it’s insane. I was paying so much more in taxes when I was able to work f/t. You’d think from a purely financial perspective, the government would do the math: millions of us unemployed or underemployed by this = hundreds of billions in lost tax revenue. (Forget appealing to them from a humanitarian perspective; that’s laughable, as we know!).

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

(for those playing along at home, this 👆🏻 is Baldy 🧑🏼‍🦲🧡)

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

I learn so much from you each post not only about long covid but about how to share a story that is uncomfortable in a world full of noise.

I also get angry that the government doesn't do more. But really what did I expect.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you for so beautifully and generously sharing your story. I am learning so much from you. <3

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

That really humbles me, Katrina. Thank you for reading and for letting me know. I love your work here also ☺️

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Victoria SkyDancer's avatar

First, happy anniversary. Second, I see what you did with your profile pic! (The only place to ditch the masks, methinks)

I know a thing or two about caregiving, and grieving, and I found myself agreeing with a lot of what you said. Himself and I are caregivers for each other and spouses to boot. We seem to be able to take turns: now I lean on you, now you lean on me. So far so good...

...and keep the kitty pics coming! My boycat has a sister, who I need to try to get a decent pic of, if she'll let me.

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Ha! Yeah, I started thinking the oxygen mask pic of me (during my 2-day CPET test) might scare some folks away 🤭.

I love your caregiving reciprocity! I got to drive Baldy to his colonoscopy last week, and it felt good taking care of him for a change.

I’m here for any and all cat pics! 😻

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Senes's avatar

Yes, I have truly bought into it. Gimli said it best: “Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” Together, we'll toss this cursed thing into the fire someday.

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

(for those playing along at home, this 👆🏻 is my Baldy 🧑🏼‍🦲)

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Robin's avatar

Happy Anniversary, Amy, to you and Baldi! I'm so glad you began this pod cast. I have an article I would like to share with you. Can you tell me where to send it? Feel free to text me. Big hugs! Robin Meng

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Robin!! So great to see you here. Thanks for reading and for your kind words. You can send me a DM in Facebook messenger or send an email to coppertop963 at gmail dot com (doing that to avoid the bots!)

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Michael Sieverts's avatar

I'm glad you're sharing your story, and with me being a recently retired fed when my LC journey began, I relate to much of what you wrote, esp the discussion about mourning, per your sister's comment. I found recognizing the loss of my former life to be an important part of this process. I got advice early on to "let yourself grieve" and look back on that as very valuable advice.

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Thank you for being here, Michael. I totally agree - there is no working around this grief, only moving through it. I also think there’s no physical healing without processing these emotions. I hope you’re finding a decent day here and there.

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Michael Sieverts's avatar

Very true!

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Paula Sarro's avatar

Thanks for another great piece, Amy. You’ve offered a lot to think about for not just those with a chronic illness but also anyone dealing with some kind of dramatic loss or change. And happy anniversary! xoxo

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Thank you for the good wishes, and thanks for being the most consistent reader of anything I ever write 🥰

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Diana Cappabianca's avatar

Another brilliant submission, sissy! Keep ‘Em coming, the world needs to know your story and follow your journey. And Happy Anniversary to you and Baldy! Cheers to another 20 years🥂

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

Love you, seester 😘😘

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