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.
ZAP says
So very sorry for your loss Elana. Thank you for sharing your wise thoughts and words with us. You’ve said it so well. I can only hope that out of this darkness new light will shine and that our loved ones won’t have suffered and died in vane, but rather helped shed light on what’s truly important, creating new beginnings. Be well and stay well
Elana says
Thanks Zap.
Liz says
I am so sorry. I have not lost anyone to COVID, but I, too, know the pain of losing loved ones. It can be especially bitter when others say hurtful things or do not understand. I will keep you in my prayers. May you find peace.
Elana says
Liz, thanks for your kind and supportive words.
Michele says
Dear Elana,
I offer my heartfelt condolences to you, your family, and friends on these collective tragic and untimely losses.There are few words in this unspeakable situation. It is more important than ever to nourish mind, spirit, and body. May you and all of us find the discipline and focus to feed our systems what is needed and not cave in to the poisons we know will challenge our health.Your work is especially relevant this time.May Gd comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Elana says
Michele, thanks for your inspiring words.
Jane says
Dear Elana,
I am so sorry for your losses. Thank you for your courage and your willingness to continue showing up to inform and educate with your characteristic honesty, vulnerability, and compassion.
Warmly,
Jane
Elana says
Jane, thank you for being amazing. I am so grateful we are on this path together.
Michele Lynn says
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. As always, your writing is beautiful. This is such a surreal time. Wishing you peace and ease as you grieve. May your loved one’s lives be for a blessing.
Elana says
Michele, thanks for your kind, sweet, supportive words.
Alana says
Elena,
We are so sorry to hear this news and your complete devastation. Your post was received with a heavy heart for you and your family but a great reminder of the seriousness and devastation needed to be heard by all.
We are praying for healing amongst such a devastating time. We care about your losses, your front line friends caring for the sick in spite of the risks and we hope you feel our support all around you.
Our son and daughter are EMS/Firefighter and ER Nurse so we can relate to the job of all our family and friend HEROS.
Hugs and all the best to you and yours. Thank you for being really vulnerable and sharing your pain. ❤️
Elana says
Alana, sending you hugs and gratitude for the sacrifices your family is making on the front lines of this terrible war. Thank you.
Karen Shaner says
Wow, this is so well-written. Thank you for sharing your story, and I am so sorry to hear how your “family” has been affected.
Elana says
Thanks so very much Karen. Stay safe.
Mary says
So sorry, Elana. To all,this should be a time to pray and to come together, and not to blame.
Elana says
Mary, I totally agree, it is a time for praying and coming together to see how we can save lives so that more are not needlessly lost.
Veena Dube says
I am so sorry for your losses!! My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
This is such a difficult time for all of us, worrying about our dear ones who have to go to work daily. Please take good care of self, stay safe and strong. I continue to enjoy your recipes and share with my friends.
Elana says
Veena, thanks for your supportive and kind words. Stay safe.
Maxine Jenner says
Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your loved ones. I agree completely with your comments!
Elana says
Thanks very much Maxine!