Humbling moment for me
I got some unexpected news and emotions yesterday that I want to share here. I have been anti-lockdown since the cases started declining without hospitals being overrun. Yesterday though I found out my aunt caught Covid, and I felt worried, and even though she lives in another state and I haven’t talked to her since the pandemic started, guilty for speaking out against lockdowns so much and maybe not remembering to advise caution where it would be useful.
My aunt is 50, has asthma, and is obese. She lives in Louisiana, where I was raised. We were very close growing up. I live in Seattle now. I FaceTimed my mom (her sister) as I try to do every week, and when my mom answered she was in Lowe’s wearing a mask. My mom has been off and on with masks (both she and my aunt are nurses, btw) so she quickly explained she was wearing them again and then added “Patti got it.”
My heart sank. Instantly dozens of thoughts about arguments against lockdowns and masks raced through my mind, followed by memories of growing up with my aunt, how she used to help me with my science fair projects and buy me the fun snacks at the grocery store my parents wouldn’t get me, and then regret for not calling or texting her more.
My mom told me Patti’s adopted daughter had planned a senior trip to a Florida beach, and at the last minute one of the parent chaperones dropped out and asked Patti to step in. The mom of one of the kids on the trip had recently gotten Covid, but neither the mom nor the kid said anything about it. Patti drove six hours to Florida and back (I’m not sure if the kid rode with her in the car), and after the trip the kid came down with Covid, and shortly after Patti started showing symptoms.
Patti has fever, aches and pains, and general malaise, but her doctor examined her lungs and said they were clear. She and her daughter have been quarantining at home for the past week, and my mom says she isn’t too worried and thinks she will be OK. I am relieved but still nervous until her symptoms are gone.
While this doesn’t reverse my opinion that lockdowns are not necessary, it is a reminder to me that I want to take care of my family and friends who aren’t taking care of themselves, for whatever that reason is. If you are sick or have been exposed, stay home. Have difficult conversations with people who may be more at risk. Maybe large gatherings might not be a good idea, lest vulnerable people let their guard down and go. I’m not certain of what the best advice is, really, but this situation has prompted me to reevaluate some of my actions, as I think society’s constant fear-mongering may have pushed me too far in a reckless direction.
Thanks for reading. I hope this is helpful.
TL;DR: I am still against lockdowns, but I’m reminded to be careful.
UPDATE 7/19/2020: My aunt recovered from Covid; she got a negative test result a few days ago. Her daughter took care of her the whole time and never tested positive. Thanks everyone for the support, discussion and advice.