Got My Ass-Kicked By Covid 19. On The Road Back

December 27th in the evening I had a little bit of a scratchy throat. I woke up on the 28th with zero energy. I stayed in bed, not doing anything and getting weaker, until January 8th. That night I went out for a covid test and tested positive. They told me to go to the hospital right away, and I did. I was in the hospital until Wednesday, January 20th, starting in intensive care and then moving to a regular room.

Now I’m home, feeling much stronger and getting healthy. Still on oxygen as part of the healing process, but the x-rays of my lungs showed no permanent damage and I’m expecting a 100% recovery. It will take time, but I’m not in a rush.

The doctor said that if hadn’t come in the night I did, I would have probably died. When I checked into the hospital, because I was a biohazard, I had no visitors and limited interactions with hospital staff. I lay there, alone. This gave me some insight, and great empathy, for those who have gone into the hospital but not come out.

Such an experience caused me to ask some substantial questions of myself. Is this it? Am I done? Will I see my family again? Have I accomplished what I set out to do in life?

I feel incredibly fortunate for what I’ve achieved in life and in business. But I’m not done. I have a lot left to give.

This experience has made me think long and hard about leadership and being of service. Although I’m still groggy from the experience, it has lit a fire under my ass to stop wasting time. Because who knows how much more time any of us has got? More on this in the coming days.

I had some big lessons reinforced as a result of the experience. First, it could always be worse. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. A lot of people never came home from the hospital. I did. Second, there is always something to get excited about and feel fortunate about. A positive mental attitude is an amazing thing to cultivate in yourself.

So I’m home, working on getting stronger, and incredibly grateful. I’m literally counting my blessings, as I consider myself the most fortunate guy in the world.

Thanks for reading. More coming soon.

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Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Kevin Jennings

    No one not even The Covid puts Smitt Dog in the corner. Great to hear your doing ok. Love you man.

  • Sarah McKenna

    Timmy,

    We are so happy you are on the mend. You are loved by so many people. Take care of yourself.

  • Shayne White

    Tim, glad to hear you are on the mend. My sources tell me you’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run, especially when the cops are on to you.

  • Carrie

    Glad to read this, we have been curious of your whereabouts here in Masardis ?? God bless! Speedy recovery!

  • Bill Dallmeyer

    Thanks for sharing, Tim. I hope we can all learn from your experience to remember to be thankful and know tomorrow is not guaranteed. Looking forward to further reflections and hoping for your speedy and full recovery.

  • Kevin M. Jennings

    No one puts smitt dog in the corner. F covid. Love you man

  • Robert

    Incredibly thankful to hear that you are continuing to heal and move forward. Glad this world will get to enjoy having Tim Smith around for a while longer.

  • Thanks for the kind word Robert.

  • I love you too buddy. A bit of a health scare, but feeling way better and will be back to 100% soon.

  • Thank you Bill.

  • I’m in Texas for a few months, be back in March. Feeling way better, looking forward to 100% recovery. And can’t wait to be back to eat at the greatest restaurant in the northern hemisphere! Viva Mama Lou’s!

  • That’s some solid advice right there. And it rhymes. Absolute genius. I’m going to live my life based on that from now on.

  • Thanks Sarah. I’m feeling very loved these days. And with a big health scare will come a big health kick.

  • Miss you, let’s make a point to get together soon.

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