In mid-March I wrote about the seriousness of COVID19. At that time, I didn’t know it would affect my family in a devastatingly personal way. I didn’t know that we’d be losing a loved one to COVID, and suffer so much more.
2020 Cancelled
I was scared and hunkered down at the outset of March, a bit before life stopped and 2020 was canceled, while many were still traveling around on vacations.
It Was The Worst Of Times
My knowledge and forethought did little to prepare me, or my family for the losses. Here I said “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Now it’s just the worst of times.
COVID And Our Loved Ones
COVID impacts us all with tremendous losses that are far too grave and widespread to detail here. Below are just a few of those my family has suffered.
Losing A Loved One To COVID
One family member is gone. One family friend is gone. Yes, two of our people are dead and will never come back.
COVID Rampant Danger
A robust young cousin suffered from COVID19. It was nothing like a flu. He appeared briefly at our Zoom Passover Seder and 15 days out looked like he had been hit by a truck.
Praying For Our Health Warriors
A dear friend is a nurse on the front lines and shows up for work day after day in New York City while we worry that she will not be given personal protective equipment (PPE). She doesn’t care. She wants to save your life. I pray she will not lose hers.
9/11 x Ten = 30,000 Dead
This virus has killed more than 30,000 Americans. That is ten 9/11s in a few weeks, and the death count marches on. I can no longer bear to hear the word “hoax” in any context whatsoever.
The Opposite Of Preparedness
Why does a simple one-syllable word bring me to tears? It reminds me that the US was focused on “small government” and killed our Global Health Office. It reminds me that while other countries were fighting a battle against invisible terror orders of magnitude more threatening than 9/11, our government was still denying its existence. That is the opposite of preparedness.
Patriotic Americans
This is the moment for patriotic Americans to make time for brave self-reflection. And for grieving. It is a time to understand what it is to be human and vulnerable. To look at what it means to be part of a family. And to look at how we can be better Americans.
A Time For Self-Reflection
This is the time for the patriotism that makes our country great. To look at our mistakes so that we can improve. A time to honor the fallen, so needlessly sacrificed to a terrifying enemy, as our country, ruled by disorganized dysfunction and chaos, allowed it to run rampant. We can do better than this.
Julie McLean says
Yes, every loss is a person, mother, father, sister, brother, friend! Sadly very many are the elderly who really don’t have a fighting chance due to underlying issues. Let us hope that it will soon be over but that we will remember to be better prepared for the next wave or the next virus because chances are there will be more! And, I hope for America that enough people will wake up to the reality that is your White House and change the person at the top. He is dividing your country and separating your country from the rest of the world. You good people do not deserve that. Kindest regards from a loyal Canadian friend! Now, I think I will go bake your date and walnut square – the best for lifting one’s spirits!!
Elana says
Julie, such wise words –every loss is a person, mother, father, sister, brother, friend. Amen. Greetings to you in Canada, and thanks for your impartial observations about America’s role in the world. Grateful for you.
Brenda McNeil says
Elana my heart aches for you and your family. Also for all the families and friends of those more than 30,000 we have lost. Thank you for posting and allowing us to be a small part of your life. My hope is that our country will come out of this strong and be able to learn from the terrible mistakes our government has made during this unprecedented times.
Elana says
Brenda, my heart aches for all of the people who have lost their lives, and their families as well. Stay safe.
Melanie says
Well said Elana. Yes, ‘We are better than this’. I am thankful daily to live in California under Governor Gavin Newsom who took this seriously from the start thus saving many lives. As for the lives lost in your family, I send my condolences.
Elana says
Melanie, so glad to hear you are in a part of the country that took this very seriously, very early on. Stay safe.
Deborah says
Words seem so inadequate at a time like this. Each loss is not just another number….it is a piece of someone’s heart ….a wound that will never full heal, an ache that will always be there.
Thank you for sharing something so personal because those that are screaming to reopen our cities before it is safe need to hear this. Our leaders need to hear this. Life is much more precious than the growth in the economy. First, we need to take care of our loved ones and protect the heros caring for the sick in our hospitals and medical facilities.
Our hearts ache for you and your family.
Elana says
Deborah, yes each loss is a piece of someone’s heart. Your words are both comforting and eloquent. Thank you.
Donna Steinfort says
Elena,
Special prayers for you and your family and all of those suffering from this pandemic. I also pray that you are able to keep your positive outlook on life and health in spite of the sadness you are dealing with now. Thank you for all you do to keep things in perspective and for the impact you are making on the lives of so many people. Sending you a virtual hug.
Elana says
Donna, sending you a big virtual hug right back.
Camille says
Dearest Elana,
I am so sorry for the loss of your family member and friend. It is heartbreaking and maddening to think we could have done more to prevent the enormous loss of life we are seeing in this great country we live in. From our family to yours, we are so very sorry.
Elana says
Camille, thanks so very much.
Eva says
Dear Elana
I am so sorry for your losses. How devastating and scary. This will not end very soon since there is no vaccine.
Stay put, be safe and optimistic because that is all we can do. Meditating does help and know that you are not alone.
Best regards
Elana says
Thanks Eva.
Leah says
I am sorry you have lost loved ones. So much grief at one time for so many. Praying for healing for you, your family and this world. We are all in this together and can lift one another up.
Elana says
Leah, thank you.
Peg says
Elena please accept my heartfelt condolences for the losses in your life. This virus is something we’ve not seen before and it is so heartbreaking to know it has touched your family. Please stay safe and well.
Elana says
Thanks so much Peg.
Ellen Schermerhorn says
Dear Elana, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve never posted a message on your site before but have been a fan for several years. I have a gluten- and dairy-sensitivity and so appreciate your delicious recipes and books– especially now that we are sheltering-at-home with our 2 high-school-age sons. I’ve become a more confident cook because of you. Thank you. But I have another connection. When I was in 6th grade my mom was diagnosed with MS. At the time, my 5 siblings and I didn’t know whether or not she’d be there the next year, or for our high school graduations, weddings, etc. She was a nurse anesthetist–a pioneer in that field. Fortunately, because of her medical training/knowledge she refused to take much of the medication prescribed for her MS. She knew the side effects were worse than the benefits. That was more than 40 years ago. In January, our family and friends gathered to celebrate her 90th birthday. She lives in a nursing home and I’m beside myself with concern for her safety. My brother spoke to her on the phone last week and told her they were hiring retired nurses to fight this virus. Her response: “I’m in!” That’s what we all need to do. Sending you my gratitude and prayers.
Elana says
Ellen, oh my goodness. What an incredibly inspiring comment. Thank you so much for being on this journey with me.