I’m finally returning to myself. It’s been a long, painful, and exhausting several weeks. The day after my birthday I woke up coughing so violently I thought I was going to throw up. Not a pleasant way to welcome age 65! For someone who hardly ever gets sick, this was a rude awakening. My first response was a mixture of irritation and incredulity. How could this have happened to me? I make it a point to take care of myself. I eat a healthful diet. I’m an active woman. In fact, I’d just started a structured exercise program after healing from an injury, and was feeling strong and energized. I manage my stress (as best I can during these unprecedented, chaotic, and divisive times.)