In a world where heartbreaking news is rampant—wildfires, hurricanes, and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis—my emotional response to those who deny the existence of the virus and then suffer its consequences is often devoid of compassion. When I hear of someone like Greg Thompson, a self-proclaimed “anti-vaxxer” from Florida, passing away from COVID-19, my first thought isn’t one of sorrow; it’s more along the lines of “you made your choice.” Many share this sentiment, and it’s not an indication of being cruel; rather, it’s a reflection of our collective frustration.
Just recently, I learned about Greg Thompson’s death after he was hospitalized with COVID-19. He’s not alone; there’s also Brian Cole, another anti-vaccine advocate who succumbed to the virus. These individuals chose to ignore the recommendations of medical professionals and the overwhelming evidence supporting vaccination. I can’t help but feel that their “fundamental rights” didn’t do them any favors when it came to their health.
It’s frustrating to watch as healthcare workers tirelessly plead with individuals to take precautions—wearing masks and getting vaccinated—only to see some of them dismiss these measures. I don’t know Thompson or Cole personally, but I wish they had heeded the advice they rejected. While I disagree with their views, I never wished for them to meet such a tragic fate. Instead, my empathy lies with the healthcare workers who are bearing the brunt of this crisis, exhausted and overwhelmed.
The stories of healthcare professionals begging for compliance with safety measures are too common. They have witnessed the heartbreaking final moments of patients, some pleading for life while others ask to let go. It’s a tragedy that even those who once dismissed vaccines have had last-minute regrets, like Richard Foster, who texted a friend to get vaccinated shortly before he died.
Why does it take personal loss for some to reassess their beliefs? In a world where people place faith in the unseen—be it a deity or a conspiracy theory—why do they reject the visible, documented reality of over 637,000 COVID-19 deaths in the U.S.?
I feel pity for those left behind—families and friends who are now grappling with the aftermath of these choices. They didn’t ask for this outcome. I’m angry for them and for all the healthcare professionals who are left to pick up the pieces. It’s infuriating to see individuals choosing to ignore public health measures while clinging to their misguided beliefs.
If you’re feeling angry too, you’re not alone. We could have been in a much better place if only people had taken the situation seriously from the start. Instead, we are still navigating this pandemic, exhausting ourselves and our healthcare systems.
While I acknowledge that masks and vaccines aren’t foolproof, the data shows that unvaccinated individuals are significantly more likely to end up hospitalized. They put immense pressure on our healthcare system and deny care to others who need it. If marginalized groups are sometimes denied care due to biases, then it’s hard to feel sympathy for those who outright refuse to take the pandemic seriously.
I have compassion for those who have followed the guidelines yet still contracted the virus, and I admire the healthcare workers risking their lives to care for the sick. But if you find yourself in dire straits due to your refusal to mask or get vaccinated, my empathy has run dry.
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In summary, while it’s impossible to ignore the emotional toll of the pandemic, my empathy is limited for those who actively choose to reject safety measures. The focus should be on supporting healthcare workers and the families affected by these decisions.
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