In recent times, a heartfelt trend has emerged on social media where individuals are sharing their “before” snapshots—the last images captured on their phones prior to the upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. For many, life felt ordinary until it suddenly transformed overnight. An email, a text, or a news update completely altered our daily existence in an instant.
Take, for instance, my last photo before going into lockdown. It features my partner, our child, and our beloved dog following a particularly challenging night at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. On March 9th, my son awoke feeling unwell, prompting me to keep him home from school. By evening, he was in agony, leading us to the emergency room where he was quickly attended to. His lungs were constricted, resembling a severe asthma attack. After hours of steroid treatments, he was admitted, marking our first hospital stay since his birth. Amid the growing anxiety surrounding COVID-19, we were uncertain if his condition was linked to the virus or merely a typical cold. That Friday, we learned that schools would close, and Los Angeles issued a stay-at-home order, which they now predict could last for months.
Friends Share Their Last Photos
Below, several friends shared their last photos and the poignant stories that accompany them:
- Emma from NY: “My dad and I visited Millerton, NY, for our annual tax ritual, enjoying tea at Harney and Sons café. It was a delightful day, and if it had to be my last outing, at least it was memorable. I bought some books from a charming local shop. It’s unsettling to think these places might not survive the shutdown, but I sincerely hope they do. I might have to return more than once a year!”
- Sophie from WA: “On March 12th, my daughter and I had a special mommy-daughter outing while she was out of school for spring conferences. It was the last time she stepped into a public space before schools closed. The following day, the gravity of the situation became all too real.”
- Jenna from TX: “This photo was taken on March 29th, just before the stay-at-home order took effect on April 2nd. Our son was on spring break, and the abrupt closure of schools was a tough blow for us, especially after months of preparing him for the transition. After a month, we found a new rhythm, but it was tough.”
- Liam from MA: “Here’s the last pic of our cat trying to sneak into Graham’s lunch. I oddly miss those lunch-packing days, though they were my least favorite chores.”
- David from Seattle, WA: “This was my final shift at the bar before we closed down. I didn’t realize it was my last day when I took this selfie—just venting about restocking while mixing drinks for regulars. We’ve since formed a group chat to stay in touch.”
- Claire from MI: “My son turned 18 in October, and on March 10th, we went to vote in the Michigan primary election. It’s believed that this event contributed significantly to Michigan’s COVID-19 crisis. We were fortunate that our polling place was quiet, but many were not so lucky. I won’t take the right to vote for granted again.”
- Olivia from TN: “I took my three kids to the zoo, finally feeling like I could manage it. It was the best day—so good that I asked a stranger to capture the moment. I had no idea the world would shut down just days later. Over two months later, it’s still the only outing I’ve managed with all three kids.”
- Rita from OH: “My second-grader’s last basketball practice was a blur of exhaustion from work and dinner prep. I had no inkling that this routine was about to come to a halt. While I don’t miss the hectic schedule, I certainly miss the joy on his face while dribbling on the court.”
As we navigate this uncertain landscape, it’s clear that our lives will never revert completely to what they were. These snapshots serve as time capsules, reminders of a world we once knew. Some reflect the mundane moments, while others capture the joy of special occasions. Your own last “normal” picture encapsulates a story of the past—a way of life we may never experience in the same manner again. For more insights on navigating this journey, check out this related blog post.
Summary
The article explores the trend of sharing the last “normal” photos before the COVID-19 pandemic altered lives. Contributors share personal stories tied to their images, reflecting on moments of joy, routine, and the unexpected challenges faced during this unprecedented period.
Keyphrase: Last normal photos before COVID
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