It's my birthday?

Yesterday was my 58th day on earth.  The day before, I took a day trip with Shelley to the north shore for hiking and photo opportunities.  The weather cooperated fully, and we could hike for several hours.  Due to COVID concerns, we left home at 6:00 AM and made the destination by 10:00 AM.  We slowly started to drive back, hitting several hiking stops and returning home just before 9:00 PM.  I will share some photos later.

There was nothing strange about that trip except Shelley's father called a day early to say happy birthday.  My son called on my birthday but asked what I was doing for my birthday and what I wanted.  He did not say happy birthday.  My oldest son sent a text and asked if it was my birthday, and he said happy birthday, just in case.

What was strange is that, other than those stated above, no one else called to say happy birthday—not my parents, sister, girlfriend's daughters, or anyone I would consider family.  In the past, they all called or texted to say happy birthday.

How do I feel about that outcome? Is everyone focused on COVID-19 and forgot about it? I'm unsure of something that upset them, and they did not want to celebrate another year for me on earth. Was it a strange coincidence, or have I lost touch with those who make up my little family?  

Either way, it is what it is, and I need to move on without letting it bother me, but it does.

In other news, anemia has affected my teeth and me.  I always want to chew ice.  When this gets worse, I know as I chew more and lose focus to avoid the activity.  Since battling Anemia for three years now, I am now on my third implant as I have destroyed some teeth.  With COVID, I avoided getting the needed labs.  In June 2017, which resulted in a hospital stay, my Hemoglobin was 6.8.  With three infusions, it increased to 15.3 by August.  In August 2018, Hemoglobin was 12.1; another infusion increased to 15.1.  In March 2019, Hemoglobin was 12.2, and another injection increased to 16.2.  

I started feeling bad in December of 2019, and due to a change of insurance, I could only get labs once I set a relationship with the new care provided under the new insurance program.  After a few months, I finally had that scheduled for Late March 2020.  The COVID causes a cancellation from the provider.  It was in July of 2020 that I was able to get in, and the Hemoglobin was 11.8.  This physician needed to be higher, even with my history, to get another infusion.  Instead, they told me to take iron tablets for a few months, even though that causes a more significant problem with stomach pain.  

In late August, I called to get an appointment due to stomach pain and was told that my preferred provider has no opening until January 2021.  So, I guess my Hemoglobin will just go down until I am hospitalized again.  I think my stomach is possibly bleeding from the iron, which I assume will make it worse?  Ultimately, insurance and I will pay 10 times as much to treat the known issue.

I am not sure about much except one thing.  COVID has not killed anyone I know.  I would say "yet" as I wonder if it is just time that will kill someone I love or me.  Like no family members wishing me happy birthday, I can't dwell on the fact of COVID-19, either.  

Carry on, my friends, carry on...