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.
Carol Logan says
Deepest sympathy to you and yours.
Your cousin and friend sit at Gods table.
Elana says
Thanks Carol.
Wendy says
I am so sorry for you and your family’s losses. Sending prayers and comfort.
Elana says
Thanks so much Wendy.
Kathy Lindstrom says
Elana, your post made me so sad. I am sorry that you have lost two of your dear ones. Thank you for taking time out of your grief to share with us.
Elana says
Kathy, thanks for your sweet words.
December Long says
I’m so sorry, Elana. Papa’s arms round your hearts, holding you close.
Elana says
December, thanks for your sweet words.
Liz says
Elana, I am so sorry for your losses. Sending love and healing.
Elana says
Thank you Liz.
Dee says
So very sorry to hear of your loss in the family.
Elana says
Thanks Dee.
Pam Mencimer says
Pamela Mencimer
5:27 PM (2 minutes ago)
to Elana’s
Hello Elana.
First I want to say that I am so sorry for your loss. I also want to commiserate with you. I lost my Daddy on Tuesday. He had been put back into hospice 6 weeks ago — just one week before the nursing home closed its doors to all visitors. My Daddy died with COVID but I cannot say if it was OF COVID – God knew when He was calling my Daddy home with or without the virus.
The scope of this virus is huge for our families everywhere. And I grieve over all of it.
I want you to know that I will be praying over you and yours.
Much love,
Pam
Elana says
Pam, thanks very much for your love and prayers. So sorry for the loss of your father.
Valerie McKnight says
I’m so very sorry for your losses. May your heart find peace in the days ahead.
Elana says
Thanks Valerie.
Yvonne says
Elena,
So sorry for your loss. My sister has been in the hospital for 3 days now on oxygen and her test came back positive for Covid. Just praying that she can survive this. Prayers for you and your family.
Elana says
Yvonne, sending prayers to your sister and the entire family. So sorry you are going through this.
Debbie says
Praying for peace and comfort for you and your loved ones. I don’t know you personally but I do know loss having lost a son. I know that without my faith I might never have truly lived again to share God’s Grace. God bless you.
Elana says
Debbie, sorry to hear about your loss and thanks for your prayers.