One of the things I used to comfort myself with when COVID-19 first appeared on the scene, waaaay back at the beginning of 2020 (are we done yet?), was that at least this wasn’t Ancient Egyptian times! That may sound odd, but I was in the midst of editing the second book in my series, The Desert Prince, which picks up with healer Sesha and her friends, where The Lost Scroll of the Physician leaves off.

Nowadays, thank Ra, we have things like medicine, ventilators, and vaccines that aid us in our battles against sickness. All the ancient — and not so ancient — civilizations had to fight plagues with were herbs, the medical technology of the day (though Egypt was fairly advanced as far as the ancients go), prayers and incantations, and their own two hands.

Yet, the hands of a healer are the one constant through the ages. Fortunately, for the rest of us, there are people who are called to this venerable profession, who tend to and care for the sick and elderly, even if it means risking their own health in doing so.

The main character and her friends in the book are healers, and they too, must deal with disease, while trying to help the people around them. They sacrifice much, as nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers around the world do today, to do the best they can with what they have.

Thankfully, in modern times, there is a little more to work with, especially for those of us who are lucky enough to live in a country like Canada, as it is important to recognize that there are many places in the world which do not have the same level of care and resources as we do. Places where all they are armed with are herbs, rudimentary medical tools, prayers, and a healer’s touch.

As I prepare to say goodbye to 2020, at least I can say it cultivated a deeper sense of gratitude, not only for our healthcare system, but especially for the healers and essential workers and for the cures and medical knowledge that we have acquired since the dawn of Ancient Egyptian civilization (which had some pretty impressive doctors, all things considered).

It’s important this holiday season to find joy where we can and, although cliché, that we remember to count our blessings, not only at this time of year, but all year long.

Much love,

Alisha