(Part 2) Thoughts On COVID19

For several weeks I've been trying to brace myself for the impact of Covid-19. I cringed every time it was suggested to just focus on the number of recoveries. When I started writing this post one week ago, there were just above 500 deaths in the USA. Now there are over 3,500 deaths. In one week. I've sat down several times trying to write this, but struggled with how to convey my frustration with the inevitable.

Each and every person that has died from this disease meant the world to someone. Hearts are being broken and families are being devastated. Don't you dare glance past the numbers! That's 3,000 funerals caused in a single week of Covid-19's destruction in this country.

Speaking at Max's funeral - July 17, 2018

When I lost my brother in 2018, it was a big comfort to be able to assemble with his friends, coworkers and our family to celebrate his life. Unfortunately public services aren't possible at this time. It seems the dead are on hold and families are robbed of support.

At first people were uninformed about how fast this virus could spiral out of control. By now the contagion has taken root and the number of infected is blowing up. This disease doesn't only go after the old and those with other health conditions. There are 20 and 30 year old's on ventilators fighting for their lives right now and losing.

*Side note - Do you have a will? Pandemic aside, you should have one!! You can create a super basic one at freewill.com.

STAY THE HECK AT HOME

The term "flatten the curve" is the reason why "Stay-At-Home" orders are being implemented. The goal is to slow the rate at which people need care from the hospital. Unless we can spread out the number of cases over a longer period of time, there won't be enough staff or equipment to help everyone. This gives each patient the best chance at survival. 

Graduations, wedding and special events are all being postponed until further notice. Life is on pause right now, with the goal of preserving lives. It feels unfair, but we must adapt under the circumstances.

A WARNING FROM ACROSS THE SEA
When Italy lost over 700 lives in a single day to the virus, somehow it still felt unreal. We failed to see the foreshadowing from across the ocean. In the last 24 hours there have been over 700 deaths in the USA. Amazingly there are still some people thinking this is just a cold or flu. The truth is: this is a new disease that the human race has zero immunity to, and its wiping people out! Lots of hospitalizations and deaths could have been avoided if things would have been taken more seriously. I'm upset but reminded to be gracious because, after all, a global pandemic isn't something we were trained with proper etiquette about.

NEGATIVE, IN A GOOD WAY

My husband got tested for Covid-19 a few days ago. Along with other symptoms, he was having trouble breathing. Tests are scarce in our area, so the doctors did other tests before they would consider doing a swab. They wanted to rule out Influenza, Pneumonia, and blood clots in the lung. Eventually when a diagnosis couldn't be reached, they tested him for Coronavirus. Thankfully the result came back negative, but I learned firsthand what its like to watch a loved one randomly collapsing around the house because they're short on breath. I wanted to hold his hand, but instead had to maintain a safe distance.

Those that die from this virus, die without their family by their side to comfort them during their last moments. SO Brutal.

THE UNKNOWN 
There are many real concerns about the future. There's no exact time frame for how long it will take to arrive at a new "normal". People don't know how long it will be until their employer will reopen, or even IF they will re-open. Many businesses have had to close down permanently. Even people reaping unemployment benefits get a fraction of their regular income. Mine has been roughly 25% of my usual earnings, a 75% pay decrease. I know money and bills in life can get scary. Hang in there, this won't last forever.

For the foreseeable future we must take things one day at a time. Don't panic. Focus on what has lasting importance, gain patience, and take heart.

Tomorrow Is Another Day by MXPX

If you are interested in counts of the outbreak or where I got my numbers:   https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/