An Open Letter to COVID-19

Dear COVID-19,

I don't like you.

I remember what my world was like before you. 

I remember when stores were open.

When I could meet with my friends.

When I could go to the beach.

When I could shake hands or hug people. 

You have robbed so many of us.

Of jobs.

School is closed.

We can't attend church.

That's the hardest for me.

Church online is great, but it just can't compare to the real thing.

I wake up some mornings and feel like it's just another day.

But then I remember you are here and everything has changed.

I can't go back to my normal job for a while.

Many people have lost their jobs, their livelihood.

I'm ok, because I have something else for right now.

But I grieve for those who struggle and need a job so bad.

Many can't go see loved ones, because they are older or in a hospital.

And some people are dying not even from the virus and their loved ones don't get to say goodbye.

And then others are dying from you.

People having babies can't have anyone in there with them besides the doctor and nurses. 

I can't even imagine.

I feel like I'm stuck in the midst of some movie plot.

Like I woke up one morning and found myself in some Sci-Fi movie.

And I wonder...when will you go away?

But then, I see so many families outside.

More than ever before.

Families are eating dinner together.

People are coming "together" while staying apart to support local businesses. 

Yes, people can be cruel.

But I have seen so many reach out in kindness.

Schools are stepping up to feed kids while school is out.

Teachers and principals are working their butts off to get this whole distance learning thing down.

People are checking on elderly neighbors and loved ones to do porch drop offs of groceries.

People are calling each other and talking, instead of just texting.

People are creating, organizing, cleaning and working on projects with their families.

COVID-19, you stink!

But we live in such a blessed age with technology and everything.

We can't physically be there with many.

But we can call them. We can video chat with them.

We can still be social, we just can't be physically close.

I may have to wave at a friend from 6 feet or more away.

But I can "hug" them in my heart.

I can't wait till you are gone.

I want my life to go back to normal.

I want the doctors and the nurses and the grocery store workers and the truckers and any one else really affected by this to get some rest.

I know they are exhausted. I know they work hard. I know they are fighting to keep us safe. And healthy. And fed. 

I want teachers to be able to teach in the classroom again (myself included). 

I want kids to be able to play sports and go to dance class or karate.

I want kids to have play dates again and go to the park and play on the equipment without fear of you.

I really want you to leave.

But I so hope we don't ever forget the moment we all slowed down a little and took time to spend with the ones we love at home.

For now I will stay home as much as I can and limit my outings.

I will practice social distancing.

But it's not without a heavy heart.

Sincerely,

Just a normal girl living in a very crazy world.