During this holiday season, we face a crucial decision: we can either act as if this year is like any other and hope for the best, or we can prioritize safety and stay home. Let’s keep gatherings small and limited to those within our households. Remember, this is just one year out of many that we hope to enjoy in the future.
My 13-year-old, Lily, radiated joy, energy, and ambition. In July, she had just resumed her summer dance camp, participating in a small class of around six children, all masked up. It felt like a small sacrifice for her passion.
However, two days after her first class back, Lily began to express fatigue, which we initially attributed to her ongoing battle with an autoimmune condition. We assumed she was simply adjusting to dancing again. We allowed her to rest, and for two days, she played video games and relaxed. Unfortunately, we were gravely mistaken about the source of her tiredness.
That Friday morning, after a light breakfast, Lily took a nap. When she woke up, it was apparent that something was terribly wrong, prompting me to rush her to the hospital. As we waited, praying for her recovery, our beloved daughter tragically passed away. The events of that day are etched in my mind, replaying constantly. It was only after her passing that we learned she had tested positive for COVID-19.
Now, we are navigating a year filled with painful “firsts.” We had to celebrate her birthday without her, experience our first Thanksgiving devoid of her presence, and now, we are approaching our first Christmas without her. Our lives will forever be marked by her absence.
Many have told us that young people are less vulnerable to COVID-19, but that’s far from the truth. Lily was vibrant and on the brink of an exciting chapter in her life. Sadly, that future is no longer a reality. I will never witness her performing in a major play, support her in her dreams of acting, comfort her through her first heartbreak, or beam with pride at her high school graduation. To me, she will always be thirteen.
COVID-19 can impact anyone, regardless of age or health. I urge everyone reading this to reconsider their plans. Please take additional precautions, even if it means forgoing in-person family traditions this holiday season, to ensure your loved ones are safe for years to come. You might feel fine, but your loved ones may not share the same fortune. The risk of exposure is very real and often underestimated. Think of those close to you.
This virus can affect anyone, even those in perfect health. You could unknowingly spread it, even if you show no symptoms. None of us are invulnerable. It’s almost certain that you will encounter more germs than you realize—whether through touching a public surface, an unexpected sneeze, or dining with someone who may be asymptomatic. At this point, it’s not a question of if you will know someone affected by COVID-19 but when. I assure you, the emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable.
Please prioritize safety this year. Missing holiday celebrations is painful, but losing a child means saying goodbye to cherished traditions and facing an endless void at your dinner table.
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Summary: This heartfelt reflection emphasizes the devastating impact of COVID-19 on families, particularly highlighting the loss of a child. It urges readers to prioritize safety during the holiday season and take precautions to protect their loved ones. The author shares personal experiences of grief and advocates for awareness regarding the virus’s potential effects on young individuals.
Keyphrase: prevent COVID-19 loss during holidays
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