For years, my world has mostly been confined to our home long stretches of time spent in bed or on the sofa, with short breaks for quiet moments with my daughter. We cuddled, read, or just existed together, while my husband took her to the park, birthday parties, and out into the world. But today was different. Today, I was there at my child’s school show.
It wasn’t a grand event for most, just a 20-minute performance. But for me, it was monumental. After battling Long COVID, struggling with breathlessness, fatigue, and brain fog, simply attending a school show felt like a massive victory.
The Gift of Presence: Parenting Through Long COVID
Watching my daughter with her little friends, beaming with joy, was such a gift. What made it even more special was the disbelief in her eyes when she saw me in the audience. She’s used to seeing me at home, resting. Now here I was, cheering her on. Her happiness, her excitement those moments made every ounce of effort worth it.
For years, my husband played the role of the active parent and handling everything I couldn’t. But today, I shared in her joy. It may have been brief, but it was one of the purest moments I’ve felt since Long COVID entered my life.
The Invisible Struggle of Parenting with Long COVID
What most parents didn’t see was the effort it took to be there. I wasn’t just a mom in the audience. I was a masked mom, full of medications, managing my energy to survive a 20-minute show. I paced myself, took breaks before, during, and after. Dizzy and breathless, but there for my child because this wasn’t just another hospital appointment.
They saw a parent sitting there, looking fine. They didn’t see the invisible struggle: the balancing act of staying upright, breathing slowly, and hoping exhaustion wouldn’t hit too soon. But none of that mattered in that moment. What mattered was being present.
Finding Joy in Small Wins with Long COVID
Living with Long COVID means redefining victory. It’s not about marathons or big celebrations; it’s about small, meaningful moments. Attending my daughter’s show was a symbol of quiet victories, the ones we fight for every day.
Tomorrow, I may be exhausted, but today was worth it. This little moment reminded me that joy still exists even in chronic illness.
To anyone living with Long COVID: celebrate the small wins. They may not seem like much to others, but they’re everything to us. Whether it’s a school show, a quiet cuddle, or getting out of bed these moments matter. We’ve earned them.
Disclaimer:
This is not medical advice but a personal experience. If you suffer from Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Always consult a healthcare professional.
Long Covid Journey 