Dear Emma,
You’ve spent a significant part of your young life amid this pandemic, and yet, you will have no memories of it. I can’t help but envy you for that. It will take a while before you understand what a virus is and how dramatically this past year reshaped our world. This letter is meant for a time when you are old enough to grasp it all.
Just a few days ago, you reunited with friends you hadn’t seen since everything changed. The joy on your face, your laughter echoing as you chased one another, filled my heart with warmth. Watching you that day reminded me of how much you’ve grown since Covid turned our lives upside down.
When you’re older, you might hear people refer to this period as a ‘lost year.’ But for us, it was a time of discovery—when we truly found each other. Before the pandemic, our lives were busy, with me often away on long shifts at the emergency room, teaching, or conducting research abroad. Your mom commuted daily to her job in the city, and we often rushed to pick you up from daycare amidst deadlines and traffic.
Then came March 2020, and everything changed. For seven months, you were with us every waking moment. I won’t sugarcoat it; it was tough. As any parent during this time knows, balancing work and keeping you entertained was a real challenge. This stress affected our family, and I’m sure you felt it too, even if you couldn’t express it.
Every time I came home after treating Covid patients, I worried about keeping you safe. I flinched when you ran to hug me, afraid I might bring the virus home. I can only imagine how confusing that must have been for you.
Over time, we found our rhythm. I got to witness your rapid growth and learned all your quirks, like how you’re only ticklish under your chin. You’ve gone from a child who could barely speak to someone with whom I can share jokes and laughs. However, we have a long way to go before we can fully discuss the challenges we faced.
Despite the hardships, we were fortunate not to lose anyone to this virus. Many families suffered much more than we did. Earlier this year, as Covid continued to spread, we welcomed your little brother, Zach. His arrival coincided with a peak in Covid cases, and the first sights he experienced were bright lights and masks. You’ve taken to him so well, transforming from a curious toddler to a protective sister, eager to care for him.
The pandemic is still ongoing, and I’m anxious about what lies ahead as you prepare to start 3-K at our local public school. Like many times over the past year, I will be concerned for your safety.
Having worked on the frontlines, I wish I could erase many memories of this pandemic, yet the moments spent with you—strolling through the neighborhood or visiting the beach—were the highlights of my days. While there’s no silver lining to a pandemic, our experience brought us closer together, and for that, I will always be thankful.
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If you’re interested in learning more, here are some helpful queries:
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In summary, while the pandemic has been a challenging journey, it has provided us with unique opportunities to bond as a family. I hope that when you look back on this time, you remember the love and connection we built, despite the difficulties.
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