After four terrible days, my best friend came to us to take us to the beach. Because of my lack of concentration and not knowing when I suddenly get overwhelmed with exhaustion, I don’t find it safe to drive. The last time I tried, I got a terrible headache.

On the way to the beach, we went to Bohemen in The Hague to get a famous Dutch pastry called “Bossche bollen.” We enjoyed them, picnicking on the beach. They tasted great; I enjoyed them more than I used to before Covid-19.

Entering the parking, the sign said to wave at the machine. I was waving like a queen. Because my friend saw my picture “A Covid-19 day” before, he asked me if I was pretending to be a Coronavirus. We all started laughing… Sometimes I really feel like a Coronavirus. Keep on smiling…

Waving Covid-19 virus….

We made a short walk on the beach. I enjoyed it so much. It was so nice to be outside again in a different place than outside my home. Half the way, I was already tired, but I managed to get back to the parking. I loved the smile on my daughter’s face, and she was laughing and giggling all the time.

When we got home, I needed to lie down. Because of the curfew, we decided to have diner first. My friend brought us Roti, from a place called Rotidam in Rotterdam. A favorite dish from all of us, and the best in the area.

After diner, my friend left, and I went to bed. I allowed my daughter to stay up, but she got frightened to be alone in the living room. So she joined me in bed. I couldn’t sleep, although I was tired. My feet and legs stayed cold for hours. And after a few hours of sleep, I woke up, soaking in sweat and pain in my left leg again.

I felt euphoric about this lovely day; it was the best day in months. We all enjoyed it. I’m thankful to my friend, who took us there. And gave us this special day. We needed this more than anyone can imagine.

Written by

Daphne

DAPHNE IN STOCKINGS is a writer with a blog telling her story about surviving blood clots, living with FVL, blood thinners, and stockings. And coping with Covid-19 twice in 2020. She's telling her story about building resilience in a physical and mental struggle to heal.