Introduction
World Spins Madly On: a life with Long COVID, a mini memoir by Amy Blackstone
March 15, 2020. The day I felt the tickle in my throat that would change my life forever. Like so many Long COVID survivors/sufferers, the virus has stolen more than I can bear to consider in a single reflection. But, on good days, the gift of music and the power of a brilliant or insightful or witty or heart wrenchingly beautiful or painful turn of phrase are still just a click or a swipe away. On those days, Deb Talan’s voice has soothed, her words have inspired, and her music has grounded me and helped me dream.
I first discovered Deb via The Weepies, another favorite of mine, though she is now on her own journey. The Weepies were an incredible indie band made up of Deb and her former partner, Steve Tannen, a phenomenal musical talent in his own right. But, when a couple parts, tough decisions must be made and like it or not, I went the way of Deb after the divorce. I just love her. So I'm writing this thing I'm calling a mini memoir, inspired by Deb, to help hash out what I’ve been calling Life 2.0. Life with Long COVID. The mini memoir is a work in progress and I have no idea what it will look like in the end. But Deb’s music, her voice, her strength, her words, her art (yes! she’s also an artist!), and her persistence inspire me to write so that’s what I’m doing. For more on the project, visit the mini memoir page and check back for updates!