Hello there! Yes, you over there on the playground, soaking up the sun. I see you enjoying this lovely warm day, with the light dancing off the pavement while you relish a carefree afternoon. And you, on the basketball court, giving your buddy a high-five—did you really just attempt a slam dunk? Impressive! And you, having a picnic with friends—what’s in that box of wine? Did you know you’re quite remarkable? Special? Captivating? Because you certainly caught my attention.
We’re currently facing a lockdown, sheltering in place, practicing social distancing—whatever you want to call it. We’re right in the middle of a global pandemic. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s a harsh reality. While I made a quick trip to the pharmacy to grab my prescription (yes, anxiety meds), carefully sanitizing my bag with Lysol, you’re out there basking in the sun, either oblivious or perhaps just indifferent.
So, you think you’re young, healthy, and immune from illness? Way below the 65-year threshold, with no underlying health issues? That’s a relief, because for a moment, I thought you might have been living under a rock. Maybe you didn’t realize there’s a lethal virus on the loose, claiming lives indiscriminately, regardless of age.
Take my cousin, for example—let’s call him Mike. At just 25, he was a star athlete, a dedicated lacrosse player, and a fitness enthusiast. He had no history of health problems, never smoked or vaped, and could easily outpace most of us without breaking a sweat. Yet, here he is, in a hospital bed, in a medically induced coma, reliant on a ventilator as his body battles this vicious virus. He commuted daily from New Jersey to New York City, and no one could have predicted that he’d be struck down.
When the virus began its spread, many breathed a sigh of relief—thankfully, it seemed to be sparing younger people. Millennials were thought to be safe, and Gen Z was considered protected. Sure, we had to look out for the older generations, but wasn’t that akin to flu season? Under 65, with no preexisting conditions? No big deal, right? But that illusion of safety shattered dramatically.
Remember the spring break antics? Who could forget the clusters of party-goers, blissfully unaware of the danger? One reveler famously stated, “If I get corona, I get corona. I’m not going to let it stop me from partying.” Seriously? Another complained about her “ruined” vacation. Cue the world’s tiniest violin playing for them.
Fast forward to March 21, when the University of Tampa reported that several students returning from spring break had been diagnosed with the virus. So much for sun and fun being a shield against illness.
As of this writing in March 2020, the CDC reported nearly half a million global cases, with over 20,000 fatalities. The United States saw a staggering rise from just about 2,000 confirmed cases to nearly 85,000 in a matter of weeks. And let’s be clear: these numbers are likely higher, as many with mild symptoms are advised to stay home rather than seek testing.
Sure, most people recover. Yes, many won’t need hospitalization. But there are no guarantees. The CDC recently updated its figures, revealing that among those requiring hospitalization, about 20% are aged 20 to 44. Los Angeles even reported its first death of someone under 18. You can be young and fit, yet still fall ill. Think of Mike—this All-American athlete, with his entire future ahead of him, now fighting for his life, struggling for every breath, yearning to see the outside world again.
Which brings me to my point—why are you out there at the playground? Or on the basketball court? Or enjoying a picnic? Why are you casually strolling to the store for snacks? Why are you ignoring the severity of this crisis? Because right now, we all share a common concern—too many things to care about.
Every single one of us, all 7.8 billion, has a responsibility to look out for one another. We need to prioritize the collective good over our personal enjoyment—whether it’s dining out, attending parties, or hitting the gym. Your desire to socialize does not outweigh someone else’s right to live. So, before you head out for another day of fun, remember, I see you. We all see you. And we won’t forget.
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In conclusion, take care of yourselves and each other. The world needs it now more than ever.
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