Back in the Saddle* Thank you for your support DAN RATHER AND ELLIOT KIRSCHNER NOV 1 Dear Steady community, Hopefully the title of this note says it all. It’s been 48 hours since I tested positive for COVID, and I feel as if I am at least tentatively back in the saddle. My grip on the reins may not be as strong as I would like, and I may not have the stamina to gallop across the prairie. But to stretch this already tortured metaphor a bit farther, I feel ready to return to the trails alongside all of you.  I know that especially at my age and life stage, I need to be careful about rushing back too quickly. Liquids. Rest. Eating the right foods. All of those are important. But after a day or so of extreme fatigue and worrisome temperature, the fever has broken and I have at least some of my old energy. I’m not at full strength but do feel I’m getting there.  I am filled with immense gratitude to so many — first and foremost to all of you who sent your well wishes. This community brings me more pride and positivity than you could imagine. I am also deeply thankful for my family and friends, who continue to provide unparalleled love and support.  I would also like to recognize my health care providers, especially the pharmacist who supplied me with doses of Paxlovid within a few hours of diagnosis. I have no doubt that this remarkable drug plus the lifesaving vaccines are why I am writing to you now with optimism.  It is one of the great shames of this era that this pandemic became politicized. Instead of serving as a rallying cry for our common humanity, it has become a wedge of division. Public health is complicated, especially when facing a novel pathogen. We were always going to have to learn how to better confront a new and dangerous enemy. Viruses are wily phonomena, evolving to better exploit our weaknesses. And we gave them a lot to exploit.  But despite that, the wonders of modern science and medicine have made a positive COVID test a lot less scary — especially for people in my age bracket. To quote a Steady post from when I first received the vaccine back in February 2021 — “Yay, Science!” And I am also reminded of the mantra of the high school football coach in the TV show “Friday Night Lights”: “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” So here I am. Here we are. Onward, with courage. Steady. Best, Dan