We just got news that President Trump has extended our stay home order until April 30th due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and some say this is only the beginning. For most of us, we have been staying home for 17 days already now, so to add another 30 onto that will be tough. I understand that this virus has taken so many lives, especially of those who are elderly or that have weakened immune systems. I feel for them and I truly could not imagine losing a loved one in such a horrific way. I understand why we need to stay home. However, the virus itself is not the only thing breaking my heart…
I’m sad for the seniors in high school, who I’m afraid will never get to say goodbye to their classmates or their teachers who have shaped who they are and will become the last 13+ years, before they go their separate ways to their next endeavors. For the ones wanting to ask someone to prom, to take the field at their last home game, or walk on stage and get your diploma, my heart hurts for you.
I’m sad for those still working who have had to make the unbearable decision to remove themselves from their home for who knows how long to protect their children, when all that they want to do is hug them.
I’m sad for those who are missing their family members that they haven’t seen in a while and will continue to miss.
I’m sad for businesses that had to close their doors and I am afraid how the employees and owners will pay their mortgages, their electricity bills, or for groceries for their children. I pray that when this is all over with, that they will be able to open their doors stronger than ever.
I feel bad for those out of a job, because the stress of putting food on the table for your family is something I’m sure nobody wants to deal with.
I’m sad for those who battle daily with things that we know nothing about, whether that be suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, infertility, the loss of a loved one, or another illness and I am afraid that being stuck at home will only cause more weight on their shoulders or more pain in their chest.
I’m sad for the brides and the mothers to be, and I’m afraid that the day they have been dreaming of for so long may not be everything that they had hoped for. Whether their picture-perfect wedding days have been postponed or they are bringing a new life into the world without their biggest supporters by their side.
I’m sad for the elderly, who are in nursing homes or hospitals and do not understand why their family members are no longer coming to visit, or why they can only communicate through windows when all that they want is a hug. I am afraid that they will feel that nobody cares about them. I’m also sad for the families who want to visit, but can’t and I am afraid that they will feel guilt during this time.
I’m sad for the children who are afraid of the unknown and confused on what is happening in the world around them.
I’m sad for the children who feel the safest at school, and afraid that they are confused and scared without their safe place.
I’m sad for the college students who want so badly to see their classmates or professors, to finish their internships, clinicals, or observation hours and I am afraid that they won’t be able to feel excitement or the sense of proudness that they deserve after years of hard work, when there are so many other things going on in the world to be sad about.
Truthfully, I feel bad for everyone in the world right now, and I'm sure I know that I'm not alone. While I know that life is more important than a prom or a wedding, I think it's okay to feel sad for everyone right now. Hellen Kellar said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”