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It’s been a long time since the first case of the novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, China—19 months, to be exact. While I wish I could say significant progress has been made, the reality is quite different. The FDA has authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine, and on August 23, Pfizer’s two-dose series was deemed safe and effective. The Delta variant is causing chaos, and while millions of Americans have received their shots, hospitals remain overwhelmed. Tragically, lives are still being lost, and parents are grappling with the urgency of ensuring their children are safe and educated. The constant tide of misinformation and conspiracy theories complicates our efforts. Anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers are causing friction, which is incredibly frustrating. After a year and a half of this pandemic, I find myself angry, exhausted, and far from okay.
I know I’m not alone in this feeling. The stress and fatigue brought on by the pandemic are palpable. Many of us are struggling to keep it together after enduring two waves of this crisis. We’ve adjusted to working from home, often taking calls from makeshift offices in our bathrooms to escape the noise of our bustling households. Our children have adapted to online learning, and my daughter was one of many who logged into a virtual second-grade classroom. Frontline workers, including healthcare professionals and teachers, have risked their lives daily to keep society functioning. They’ve gone to work under dire conditions, often lacking adequate safety measures. We’ve endured numerous lockdowns, especially in places like New York, doing so for the greater good. Yet, here we are, still battling the virus and each other.
Daily disagreements with friends and family members have become a source of frustration. I’m weary of advocating not only for my own safety but for that of my unvaccinated children—those who are too young to be shielded from COVID-19. My community faces the harsh realities of the virus; some have recovered, while others have not. Friends have been denied medical care due to an overwhelmed healthcare system. Someone dear to me is very ill, and the outlook is bleak.
Even mundane errands like grocery shopping have become exhausting. I feel my patience wearing thin when confronted by unmasked individuals in the aisles. I constantly worry about bringing the virus home along with my groceries. The state of our nation infuriates me; despite the availability of science and vaccines, we still face rising COVID numbers and continuing fatalities. Social media only amplifies these frustrations, turning a health crisis into a political debate.
This crisis has strained my relationships with family. I’ve distanced myself from some friends. My therapist often reminds me that while I cannot control others, I can control my responses. Yet, I’m tired of attending virtual funerals and saying goodbye to loved ones from a distance. The emotional toll is heavy, and I find myself filled with anxiety.
Just a couple of weeks ago, my son, along with three-quarters of my family, contracted a variant of the virus, leading to a terrifying episode where my two-year-old nearly required hospitalization. With a fever of 105 degrees and a severe cough, I was paralyzed by the fear of losing him—not due to a lack of healthcare access, but because our system is overwhelmed. No one should have to live with that kind of fear.
Ironically, things could be better. If we all wore masks and got vaccinated, we could return to a semblance of normalcy. The “war on COVID” could potentially end this year. Instead, millions of Americans are choosing to listen to unreliable sources rather than the scientific community.
So please, reach out to your loved ones. Check in on them—ask how they are feeling and coping. Chances are, they are not okay, either. Many are feeling burnt out, anxious, and lonely.
For more insights, you might want to read this post on home insemination or explore the excellent resources about pregnancy and home insemination available here.
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