Fear that I would not be able to hug my Mom again.
This is my motivation for writing this personal post.
My Mother was found alone on the floor after being there for an estimated three days.
Why?
She had COVID-19.
Doctors think that she didn’t realize that she had it and that it came on so fast that she passed out.
Unfortunately, many stories like this exist.
I have good friends who had a Mother die in Europe without being able to fly to see her, even from afar before she passed.
Our story is much better and my family has been blessed.
My Mom recovered and is now COVID free.
She is still on a lock-down rehabilitation floor, however.
Like so many who are dealing with this, I still have not been able to give her a hug.
How did my Mom get COVID?
We will likely never know the full story but she was being responsible. My Mom always wore a mask, washed her hands often, used gloves and disinfectant.
Performing a little contract tracing and time-line exercise, she likely got it when shopping at a grocery store a few weeks ago.
What does this mean?
Someone around her was probably not wearing a mask.
I’m not going to mention where my Mom lives because this is becoming too political. Regardless of where you are, however, you have probably experienced some of the following:
People not wearing masks in crowded public places or stores
Hearing people get defensive about not wearing a mask in public
Someone wearing a mask but having it below their nose or chin
People serving large numbers of the public without wearing a mask
I’ve seen this last one recently when flying to try to help my Mom.
I’ll admit it. I haven’t always been good either.
I’ve left for a walk with my dogs without a mask by mistake. It is not easy and they can be hot.
I think the science is clear, though. When you don’t wear a mask, you put others at risk.
Like when my Mom was wearing a mask, when you wear one it doesn’t protect you, it protects people around you.
If we are not all in it together, it does not work.
When reading this you might think that you and many around you are at a low risk for complications from COVID, so it doesn’t matter if you get it.
If you care about someone that is in a high risk category, though, it matters. You can give it to them.
It comes down to what I was taught is the golden rule. I think every culture has some version of it.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Show the respect that you would like in return.
Many are wearing masks for others. Please do the same in return.
I would like to be able to hug my Mom again soon and I wish the same to you.
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