So why am I showing you photos of routine household chores like grocery shopping and ironing?
Because I am getting mentally and physically ready for John to return to work. Am I happy about that? Not one little bit.
He (and all of the other office-based people in his company) have to go back to work on July 20th. I know that many of you never stopped working, or have already returned. The chemists and lab workers in his company have been back to work on a part-time schedule for a month or so, but now the powers that be have decided that since they have a building, it's time for all the people that used to work there to get back and do their work.
I am glad that John has a job, but he also has an autoimmune condition that he takes corticosteroids for. The medication works by suppressing his immune system, but that is not a good thing to have if you are exposed to the virus. He has a telemedicine appointment this afternoon with his rheumatologist to discuss how immunocompromised he is and what he should be doing. I'm pretty sure he'll be going in to his office no matter what his doctor says because there has not been a lot of compassion or understanding so far from his bosses for people with possible medical exemptions.
So I'm re-stocking the pantry, cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer in MD and making sure John has ironed clothes to wear. I don't understand why someone who has been doing their job quite well from home can't continue that, but it's not my call and I have to let it go. (Still, I have had a lot of imaginary conversations in my mind with his boss. I've made some great points and she has been won over by my logical arguments, but only in my imagination!)
Oh yikes!! Sorry to hear this Bonny. I feel so fortunate with my company and the way they are handling this...and even when my office does "re-open" in August, not everyone will be in at the same time and everyone will be working from home at least 3 days a week. Sending all good vibes for John's well-being.
ReplyDeleteUgh, it really frustrates me how unreasonable some people can be when all they're thinking about is money. I know my employer has its faults, but I've been really pleasantly surprised at how quickly and easily the message has shifted to "if you can work from home, please do." I suppose it helps that my employer is a nonprofit, so it's easier to put people ahead of profits, but I can only imagine how much different the situation in our country would be if we collectively put the well-being of our citizens ahead of our pocketbooks. I hope John's doctor has some good recommendations for him and he's able to stay as safe as possible!
ReplyDeleteOh, Bonny. I'm so sorry to hear this. I will never understand how inflexible and unimaginative so many employers ARE. Such . . . greedy-pig-paws! I hope John gets some helpful information from his rheumatologist (and maybe a "sick note????"). XOXOXO
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry to hear this. I know my son in law has to go into the office one or two days a week but they have staggered the days so they have far fewer people in the office. I just don’t know how these decisions are being made.
ReplyDeleteOh ugh! Steve's office has recalled almost all workers as well (because some of them were getting paid to work at home, but they weren't actually doing any work) It makes me so scared that there are more people in the building. I hope the doctor gives John some things he can do to protect himself.
ReplyDeleteI hope John gets some good recommendations! I'm grateful that I work in a small office with few people and little to no contact with the public.
ReplyDeleteI will never understand why people can't put the health and well being of others before money! The university in our town will open next month and they have done a tremendous amount of work to provide safety for the students and the professors and others staff. My sister is a department chair and has worked very hard to meet the needs of her staff. If they have a medical condition that places them at risk, they have the option of teaching their classes on line. But other businesses in the community have not been very understanding of the needs of their employees. I wish John well and hope that he gets some sound medical advice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie. I can only imagine the work involved to keep staff and students safe at a university. I am glad to hear that medical conditions are being accommodated and wish your sister, all the students, professors, and staff well and that they all stay healthy. I wish John's company would be as prudent and responsible by not bringing all 550 people back at once and not ignoring valid medical exemptions.
DeleteWell, this is not good news. And it is news that I am very sorry to hear, Bonny. Can John appeal to his work-related insurance folks? Surely they don't want to pay for an expensive and unnecessary claim! It just makes no sense. I wish him continued health and focus on what's important. I am wishing you less worry, although I know you will worry some. I am thinking of you both and sending good vibes.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your fear, Bonny. Smith is at Home Depot which has never shut down and goes on as usual. They have taken steps to ensure the health of all employees and patrons and, so far, all is well. Good hygiene and masks go a long way to keeping people safe. This is all just all so unimaginable!
ReplyDeleteI'd be worried, too, and I'm sorry his employer isn't more understanding. Maybe a letter from his doctor will change things, I will hope for that.
ReplyDeleteOh ugh, Bonny, that sucks. I hope John gets some good advice from his doctor because it sounds his boss isn't going to listen to good sense from anyone. also, I love that you're making sure his shirts are ironed. That would probably be at the bottom of my list!
ReplyDeleteThat is scary. I have been working outside the home all along, and trying to be as careful as possible, still I got a cold that put me out for a week. Best wishes to you both as you move back to John working outside the home.
ReplyDeleteOh Bonny. I am so sorry about your added stress of preparing for John to go back to an environment with people passing by him etc. I see there are some apps that make your elevator at work call to your floor . My girlfriend decided if they made her go back in to th office, then she would put up her own plastic. They let her. She feels safer....
ReplyDeleteUGH!!!! I will be talking to my RA doc in August about my meds as well and if I am high risk or not. I pray that all goes well with him (does HR accept doctor excuses?). Sending many many prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a hard place to be, I feel for people that are being forced back to work in a building. Scary times for sure. Praying that all goes well and that you are able to obtain some peace of mind with your husband work situation.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I hope his doc has some good suggestions for your husband. It is all just so darn scary. Straightening, tidying, cleaning, and provisioning is exactly what I do when life feels a little out of my control. Sending prayers that all will be well with your family. I love the idea of imaginary conversations.
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