This holiday season presents a choice for all of us: we can pretend this year is like any other and hope for the best, or we can prioritize safety and stay home. It’s just one year out of many that we hope to come.
My daughter, Lily, was vibrant, spirited, and full of dreams. In July, she had just returned to a small summer dance camp with a handful of kids, all wearing masks. It seemed a small compromise for her to pursue her passion.
However, just two days after starting class, Lily began to express fatigue. Given her ongoing battle with an autoimmune condition, we attributed it to her re-entry into dance. She rested for two days, indulging in video games and snacks. We couldn’t have been more mistaken about the cause of her fatigue. What transpired next was devastating and life-altering.
That Friday morning, after a light breakfast and a nap, she woke up showing signs of distress. I rushed her to the hospital, where we prayed anxiously, but our beloved Lily never made it. The details of that day are etched in my mind—forever replaying in my thoughts. It wasn’t until after her passing that we learned she had tested positive for COVID-19.
Now, we are navigating a year filled with “firsts” without her. We celebrated her birthday, Thanksgiving, and now we’re facing our first Christmas without her. Our future is forever altered, as we will no longer have her by our side.
Many have said that young people shouldn’t worry too much about COVID-19, but that’s a dangerous misconception. Lily was young and full of potential, poised to embark on exciting new adventures. Those dreams are now gone. I’ll never witness her shine in her first major performance, comfort her through heartbreak, or beam with pride at her high school graduation. To me, she will always be thirteen.
This virus can impact anyone, regardless of age or health. I urge you to reconsider your plans. Taking precautions this holiday season, even if it means missing family traditions, could save lives. You may feel fine, but your loved ones might not. The risk of exposure is real and often underestimated. Consider the safety of those around you.
Remember, COVID-19 can affect anyone—healthy individuals included. Asymptomatic carriers may unknowingly spread the virus. It’s not a matter of whether you will know someone affected by COVID, but when it will happen. The aftermath of this virus can lead to immense sorrow.
Please be cautious this year. While it’s difficult to forego holiday gatherings, losing a child means losing those traditions permanently and having an empty chair at your dining table forever.
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In summary, the loss of my daughter to COVID-19 has been a profound tragedy, and I urge everyone to take the virus seriously. Prioritize safety during the holidays to protect your loved ones and avoid the heartbreak of losing someone dear.