Dear friend,
Wearing masks does not make us “sheeple.” Your belief that mask mandates violate your religious freedom is deeply frustrating to me. Let me explain why.
On Christmas Day, I bundled my toddler into the car and drove across town to my aunt’s house. As we passed through the festively adorned streets, we arrived at the only dark home on the block. My aunt’s husband hadn’t had the chance to put up their decorations; he had passed away that morning due to complications from COVID-19. His van remained in the driveway. I left a bouquet of flowers at their gate and wept. I wished I could comfort my aunt in her grief, but that was impossible. This Christmas was not what she had envisioned—becoming a widow. None of us expected to experience such sorrow.
It has been ten months since my son has had any semblance of normalcy. He has been homebound since the first stay-at-home order in L.A. County. I took a leave of absence from work to protect him, as he is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to his viral-induced asthma. Even a common cold can send him into respiratory distress.
In his brief three years, he has visited the emergency room more times than both my husband and I combined. He has endured numerous rounds of oral steroids to keep his airways open, resulting in extensive dental issues. Being sick means endless nebulizer treatments and often a hospital visit.
My fear is not rooted in the COVID-19 guidelines; it began long before this pandemic and will continue long after. Our lives changed forever when my son was just four months old. After days of relentless crying, his color changed, and I rushed him to the emergency room, terrified that something was gravely wrong. The medical staff swiftly intervened, administering life-saving treatments as I held my breath, praying for his survival.
After that ordeal, we consulted a specialist who diagnosed him with asthma before his first birthday. Daily maintenance became a necessity, and during flare-ups, we had to restrain him for nebulizer treatments. Now, at three years old, he has learned to manage his asthma and can communicate when he feels unwell. He tells me it feels like he’s dying.
I sincerely hope you never have to witness the sheer panic of watching your child struggle to breathe. My son relies on emergency services for his care, services that are now overwhelmed and facing shortages. Additionally, taking him to the hospital exposes him to COVID-19—this reality fills me with anxiety.
Last night, my son crawled into bed, asking, “Can I cuddle with you, Mommy?” He misses his cousins and feels the loneliness of being an only child. I told him the germs weren’t gone yet, hoping that soon they would be. As I held him close, I wished I could shield him from everything.
In closing, dear friend, if honoring life is against your beliefs, I urge you to reconsider. If you care for me, please take actions to protect the most vulnerable among us from this devastating virus. They are not expendable. My son is not expendable. Wearing a mask doesn’t make me a Karen—it makes me a mom.
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- Why wear a mask during COVID-19?
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Summary:
This heartfelt letter expresses the frustrations of a mother whose child is vulnerable to COVID-19. It shares personal experiences related to asthma and the emotional toll of the pandemic, urging friends to consider the impact of their actions on the vulnerable. The letter concludes with a plea for compassion and responsibility, emphasizing that protective measures like wearing masks are essential for safeguarding lives.
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