Two Heads Are Better Than One

Two heads are better than one. How many times have you heard this expression? Probably hundreds of times. It implies that two can do more than one. 

It can also be used in the form of slang when you say it this way: “She looked at me as if I had grown two heads.”

This phrase came to mind on Saturday evening when we joined family for a night out at the local catfish house. If you are from Mississippi, catfish houses throughout the land open for dinner Thursday through Saturday. 

This was the first outing that me and the hubs had enjoyed since before Christmas. As I have mentioned, mean ole Covid visited instead of Santa this holiday.

After almost four years of avoiding it, we were finally hit. We vaccinated and boosted, and we still got it. New strains are developing all the time, and like the flu, sometimes you still get it.

I have said for years, a situation or thing does not become real until it becomes personal. While I have been aware of how Covid behaves, I now have a whole new perspective. Let me tell you something, I have not been that ill in many years. Having spent a huge portion of my life at the doctor or in a hospital, that says something. 

As I struggled each day to get through it, I could not help but think how bad it could have been had I not gotten vaccinated. Given I have no spleen, appendix, or adenoids – plus a couple of years of chemo – my immune system is compromised. I get vaccinated for everything – the flu, pneumonia, and anything else they think I need. Covid has been no different for me.

No wonder thousands died in 2020. Folks, the strain we had was nothing in comparison. I am so grateful for all the scientists and medical professionals who have spent hours working to figure out how to attack this virus.

Back to Saturday night. Given I am still coughing, although now negative for Covid, I masked up. The last thing I want to do is cough on an elderly person OR get the flu or all the other stuff floating around.

There were eight of us and as we walked to our table, people stared at me. At first, I thought nothing of it until we started to leave and I had the same experience. Their facial expressions were like I had suddenly grown two heads.

That’s when it hit me – it was  my face mask. We have spent the better part of the last three years wearing face masks. Why is this sight cause for attention?? Why does it bother people?

In our county alone, the nursing homes are full of residents with the flu, RSV and Covid. When my doctor prescribed Paxlovid, the anti-viral used to help with Covid symptoms, I got the last box. When my husband got his diagnosis two days later, he had to drive 30 miles because there was none in our town.

As we got in the car to head home, I asked my husband why more people were not using the precaution, and why me wearing a mask was noteworthy. It’s very apparent there is a heightened outbreak right now in our area. (And yes, I know some have worn a mask all the time and still gotten Covid. One thing is certain – if you never wear one, you have zero defense. At least with a mask, you have a shot.)

For the life of me, I will never understand why this is such a big deal. I remember the news media begging people in 2020 to put on a mask or shelter in place. This while thousands died every day. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised four years later.

I am about to turn 58 years old; knocking on the door of 60. Life is so short. We all understand that feeling. I am in a place where I no longer have the time or patience for stupidity. 

This is where I extend my Dixie Carter disclaimer: I know that I am not going to change anyone’s mind, and I may even offend, but I highly doubt I will offend you any more than stupidity offends me. 

God gave us a brain that is remarkable. If we engage it, astounding things can happen. When we refuse to use it, chaos and heartache prevail.

The excuses people give for NOT wearing a simple face mask are just that – an excuse. 

1. I cannot breathe, it’s uncomfortable.
2. No one is going to tell me what to do. Everyone is overreacting.
3. It infringes on my rights. (This was heard often when it was mandatory.)

Knock it off, knuckleheads!  

Do you know what some strains of Covid can do to your lungs? First, you have enough mucus in your head to fill a small pond with the consistency of rubber cement. Remember that from school?

Once it moves into your lungs, it adheres to the lining, and you cannot breathe. If not treated quickly, you can end up on a ventilator that will help you breathe. How much more uncomfortable do you think that is from a piece of cloth across your mouth and nose?

Second, if you have issues with authority, bless your heart. Adulting is always going to be a challenge because we are all under the authority of someone. Get over yourself. Thousands have died world-wide. No one is overreacting. You are underacting.

And as for your rights – what the crap? This is not a civil rights issue; this is a health issue. Use that lovely brain situated in the center of your head. Who do you think invented science? Not Dr. Anthony Fauci. And if your religion or politics omit common sense and science, you have much larger problems. Ignorance is not knowing. Stupidity is knowing and ignoring. 

When you refuse to wear a mask, especially when you know you are around people with compromised immunity, you really show how little respect you have for others and yourself.

Anyone that knows me well knows that I have the potential to catch everything that comes along. Why would you deliberately take the risk to expose me and others in a similar situation to something? If you do not care about yourself, can you at least respect others around you?

And what about our elders? Grandma and Grandpa? It is so difficult for them to get over things like the flu or Covid. So many ends up dying due to pneumonia. 

Think people, think! For gosh sakes, put the dang masks on. Flu and Covid season will soon be over when Spring arrives.

Go ahead and stare me down peeps, after all, two heads are always better than one!