In recent times, a poignant trend has emerged on social media, where individuals share their “before” photos—the final images in their camera rolls captured before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. For countless people, life transitioned from a state of normalcy to uncertainty without any warning. One moment everything felt routine; the next, everything changed dramatically. A single text message, email, or news bulletin altered the course of daily life forever.
One such image on my phone serves as a reminder of that abrupt shift. It features my partner, our child, and our dog after a harrowing night spent at a children’s hospital in Los Angeles. On March 9th, my son awoke feeling unwell, prompting me to keep him home from school. By afternoon, he was in evident distress, leading us to rush him to the emergency room. Upon arrival, medical staff quickly intervened, as his lungs were constricted—a situation resembling a severe asthma attack. Following hours of treatment, he was admitted to the hospital. This was the first experience of hospitalization for him, and the looming presence of the coronavirus was in the air. At that point, we were uncertain of its implications for children, leaving us to wonder whether his condition was linked to the pandemic or simply a reaction to a common cold. That Friday marked the announcement of school closures, with the city of Los Angeles implementing a stay-at-home order, signaling a lengthy period of isolation ahead.
Reflections from Friends
Below are reflections from friends who also shared their last photos along with their stories:
Ella from NY:
“I traveled with my father to Millerton, NY, for our annual tax appointment. Afterward, we enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Harney and Sons tea cafe. It strikes me as surreal that places we frequented just months ago may not be there when we can return.”
Jasmine from WA:
“We shared a special day, just my daughter and I, on March 12, during her school’s spring conference break. The next day, schools shut down, and we decided it was best not to send her brother back to preschool. That day marked my last comfortable outing in public.”
Maya from TX:
“This photo was taken on March 29, just days before the stay-at-home order began on April 2. Our son was supposed to return to school after spring break, which had been a significant adjustment for him due to his ASD. It was challenging to see the disruption of his routine.”
Sophie from MA:
“My last picture captures a humorous moment when our cat attempted to sneak into my son’s lunch bag for school. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss those mundane tasks of daily life.”
Leo from Seattle, WA:
“I snapped this selfie on my last day working at the bar before we closed down. At that moment, I had no idea that I was capturing the last remnants of normalcy.”
Clara from MI:
“On March 10, my son and I voted in the Michigan primary election—an event that has since been linked to a surge in COVID-19 cases. I now see the importance of exercising my right to vote in a new light.”
Rita from OH:
“The last basketball practice of my second-grader was just as hectic as every other day. Little did I know it would be the last time I’d witness his joy on the court for a while.”
While the timeline for a return to “normal” remains uncertain, it is evident that life as we knew it has undergone a fundamental transformation. These photographs act as a time capsule, preserving memories of life before the pandemic. They reflect both the ordinary and the extraordinary moments that we once took for granted. Every last “normal” photo encapsulates a narrative of a life that, in many ways, we may never experience again.
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Summary
The article reflects on a social media trend where people share their last photos taken before the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting personal stories and the impact of the sudden changes in daily life. These images serve as a reminder of the ordinary moments that define our lives.