In recent times, a poignant trend has emerged across social media platforms: individuals sharing their “last normal” photos—images captured just before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. For countless people, life was a comfortable routine one moment, and then it abruptly transformed. There was no opportunity for adjustment; everything shifted in a heartbeat. A single message or news alert altered the course of daily existence for many.
The last photo on my phone before quarantine features my partner, my child, and our beloved pet after a particularly harrowing night at a children’s hospital. On March 9th, my child woke up unwell, prompting me to keep him home from school. By the afternoon, he was in severe pain, leading us to rush him to the emergency room. Upon arrival, he was immediately seen; it became clear his respiratory distress mirrored that of a severe asthma attack. After several hours of treatment, he was admitted. It marked the first time we had to stay overnight in a hospital, and the looming threat of COVID-19 was a constant concern. At that time, it was uncertain how the virus affected children, and whether my child’s condition was linked or merely coincidental.
That Friday, we learned that schools were closing, and Los Angeles was implementing a stay-at-home order. Officials warned that the lockdown would likely last for several months.
Reflections and Last Photographs
Here are some reflections and last photographs shared by friends, each accompanied by their unique stories:
Riley from New York:
Riley M. “My father and I made our yearly pilgrimage to Millerton, NY, to finalize our taxes. We traditionally follow this with a delightful visit to the Harney and Sons tea café. It was a lovely day—if it had to be my last outing, at least it was a good one. I even picked up a few books at the local bookstore. It’s surreal to think that these beloved places might not survive the pandemic. I’ll surely visit more often when it’s safe.”
Jessica from Washington:
Jessica L. “On March 12th, I enjoyed a special mother-daughter day while she was out of school for spring conferences. That was the last time we felt comfortable in a public space. The very next day, school closures were announced, and we decided to keep her brother home from preschool. The gravity of the situation hit home swiftly after that.”
Tina from Texas:
Tina H. “This photo was taken on March 29th, just days before the stay-at-home order began on April 2nd. Our son had a spring break from March 9-13, but schools closed indefinitely right after. It was a tough blow for us. We had worked diligently to prepare him for the transition to a new school schedule, only for everything to stop. As he has ASD, maintaining routines is essential. After a month, we found a new rhythm, but the transition was certainly challenging.”
Mia from Massachusetts:
Mia R. “This snapshot captures the moment when our cat attempted to sneak into Graham’s lunch bag for school. I almost miss the mundane task of packing lunches, which used to annoy me for some reason.”
Ethan from Seattle:
Ethan T. “This was my last shift at the bar before we closed for good. At the time, I had no idea it would be my final day. I was venting about the shipment and had just prepared drinks for some regulars. We’re still connected through a group chat.”
Olivia from Michigan:
Olivia P. “My son turned 18 in October, and on March 10th, we went to vote in the Michigan primary election. The primary is now considered one of the main factors behind Michigan’s intense COVID-19 impact. Thankfully, our polling station was small and not crowded, but many faced far worse circumstances. I’ll never take my right to vote for granted again.”
Claire from Tennessee:
Claire C. “This was the first time I took all three kids out alone. We had an amazing day at the zoo, and I planned to make it a weekly outing. A stranger even took our photo to capture the moment. Little did I know, the world would shut down just days later. It’s been over two months, and this remains my only outing with all my children.”
Liam from Ohio:
Liam T. “It was my second-grader’s last basketball practice. I was exhausted from work and hurried to get dinner ready before heading to the rec center. I had no inkling that this routine would suddenly come to an end. While I don’t miss the obligation, I do long for the joy on my son’s face as he played with his teammates.”
While we might not know when things will return to “normal,” it is evident that life will never revert to what it once was. These snapshots serve as a time capsule, preserving memories of a world that existed before. Some images capture the simple moments of daily life, while others immortalize the joy of last gatherings. Each individual’s “last normal” photo reflects a story of a way of life that we may never experience in the same capacity again.
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Summary
The article discusses the poignant trend of sharing last “normal” photos taken before the pandemic, capturing moments that reflect a pre-COVID world. These images serve as a reminder of what life was like before everything changed, highlighting stories from various individuals about their experiences and reflections during that time.
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