COVID-19 one year later has been the theme of our series that began Monday and ends today. This anniversary marks the time when Gov. Charlie Baker issued an emergency order that all non-essential businesses and organizations must close their physical work spaces.
Since then, the virus that originated in China and spread globally has impacted our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. The length and depth of its impact continued despite previous predictions otherwise.
First, we want to acknowledge the loss of life with the virus taking our most vulnerable, the elderly — many in nursing facilities — and those who were health compromised. (As of this writing, more than 530,000 people have died nationwide from COVID-19.) And many who have contracted the virus have had tough recoveries, with the term long-haulers taking on a whole new meaning.
Consider the effect on loved ones, such as Sheryl Sadler-Twyon who spoke about losing her mother while a resident in a nursing home. “March 24 was the last time I was able to hug her. I knew it wasn’t going to be good. I knew it was the last time I’d be able to sit with Mom and hold her hand.”
For the most part, we’re staying close to home save the trip to the grocery store or to grab takeout from a restaurant. We’ve become accustomed to seeing people on computer screens, whether it’s for town business, a work place meeting, an arts performance, a religious service, or even a conversation with family and friends.
For schoolchildren, the options were learning in person, hybrid or remote although state-mandated changes will take place next month. High school sports were limited. Seniors missed out on special events.
As Pioneer Valley Regional senior Skyler Cohen said for a story on that topic, “It is particularly hard, though, being a senior knowing that we will never get this time back and were missing out on our years of ‘lasts.’”
An economy that was doing well before the pandemic plummeted, leaving people without jobs and business owners without enough income. People could not afford their rent.
Gatherings such as weddings were limited to the number of attendees, and the businesses involved in those events have suffered. Time-honored events were canceled. Drive-thrus and Town Meetings in parking lots became the standard.
But amid the pandemic and the difficulties it has brought, the efforts to help others in need, especially providing food, are to be commended. But such generosity in Franklin County and the North Quabbin does not surprise us.
When Joan Milnes’s brother, Dean Elgosin, died last April, she only expected to be joined at his graveside service by her husband, the priest and funeral home staff. But then two fire engines parked at the entrance to the cemetery, one from Erving, one from Turners Falls., accompanied by two firefighters to honor her brother’s work with the Millers Falls Fire Department.
And despite the early reluctance of some, masks have become an essential part of our attire. Communicating with store clerks on the other side of plexiglass is now the norm.
This series featured a logo created by Features Editor Andy Castillo that depicts the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Testing is more readily available. While vaccine distribution has proven frustrating for many, we’ve heard promises that will change for the better.
Perhaps there is light ahead. We can only hope.