This video, released in early 2023 as "2022 witterings," offers a deeply personal account of the speaker's family's struggle with COVID-19 in China. He details his own recovery process and the more severe battle faced by his 91-year-old mother-in-law, who was hospitalized with pneumonia and heart complications, exacerbated by dehydration and a lack of full vaccination. The speaker highlights the stark difference in China's recent COVID-19 surge, marked by widespread fevers and dramatic infection rates, compared to earlier global experiences. Beyond the health crisis, he reflects on the drastic reduction in their social activities and travel, finding solace in daily park walks and the companionship of their seven beloved cats. The video also pays tribute to two friends lost in the past year, concluding with a message of gratitude and hopes for health, joy, and peace in the new year.
Summary:
0:00 - 1:10: The speaker apologizes for the delayed release of his "2022 witterings" in early 2023, attributing it to his recent COVID-19 illness. He describes his own slow recovery over 22 days, noting persistent exhaustion even after short walks, a common post-COVID symptom.
1:10 - 2:00: He compares the COVID-19 experience in China to the UK, noting that fever is a prevalent symptom in China, unlike its lower ranking in UK health studies. The speaker and his wife, Yvonne, both experienced high fevers (38.5 C) and suspect their home help as the source of infection.
2:00 - 4:10: Despite using an air filter, Yvonne's 91-year-old parents contracted COVID-19 three days after them. While her mother's oxygen levels remained manageable with a concentrator, she became severely dehydrated from not eating or drinking for a week.
4:10 - 6:50: Due to dehydration, Yvonne's mother was admitted to the hospital, immediately receiving oxygen and fluids. A CT scan revealed pneumonia, leading to her transfer to ICU where her pre-existing heart condition caused concern due to slow and irregular heartbeats. She is showing gradual improvement, with a potential move out of ICU, and a pacemaker is being considered. The speaker expresses profound gratitude for all thoughts and prayers.
6:50 - 8:40: Yvonne's father, also 91, is recovering well, having had a full vaccination course. In contrast, Yvonne's mother was advised against vaccination due to her heart condition and only received her first dose 10 days before infection, limiting its protective effect.
9:00 - 12:40: The pandemic severely restricted their social life and travel; their last trip was in October 2021. Singing classes ceased in mid-November due to rising cases, with only 3 out of 50 members attending. The speaker emphasizes the "explosion" of COVID-19 cases in China since early December, resulting in every family member being infected and projections of a million deaths by April.
12:40 - 13:50: Daily life is now limited to local outings and no socializing for six weeks. They maintain fitness by walking in a nearby park; the speaker does 4 laps (3km), while the fitter Yvonne completes 7.
13:50 - 16:20: The speaker enthusiastically describes their seven cats, whom he dotes on, often sharing their bed. He details their individual personalities and inter-cat dynamics, from "bosom buddies" to antagonistic relationships that force one cat to stay in their bedroom for safety.
16:20 - 17:40: He poignantly shares the loss of two dear friends, Tommy and Sean, in the past year. Tommy, known for 12 years, and Sean, known for almost 40 years, are remembered for their kindness and wisdom, with the speaker expressing how much they are missed.
17:40 - 19:50: Their apartment's location on the Hunan provincial education department grounds provides convenient access to a canteen with affordable Chinese food (subsidized by a Β£40/month allowance) and a small shop. This also facilitated easy access to mass COVID testing during peak times.
19:50 - 20:25: The video concludes with a heartfelt wish for viewers to experience good health, joy, and peace in 2023, hoping for unexpected wonderful things rather than the challenges of recent years.