Rituals matter.
Love and empathy matters too.
We’ve lost 400,000 Americans to Covid-19, 100,000 since December.
It’s a staggering and brutal number. And it will get worse before it gets better.
I was overcome with emotion as I watched our national Covid Memorial yesterday—seeing those beautiful lights and knowing that they represent the departed souls of our brothers and sisters.
It’s been six months since I was infected during the summer wave which pales next to our current Covid surge. I made it and am grateful for that daily and cognizant that so many have been lost.
We are living through a nightmare; a human nightmare that’s ending lives, upending families and threatening economies worldwide.
As I write this, I have friends with sick parents, friends who have lost relatives and friends who are dealing with long hauler health issues. It has been a nightmare.
While I am feeling so much better, I still wake up and go to sleep with headaches and have arm and leg pain. I looked at the 400 columns of lights and felt immense gratitude for the doctors, nurses and the prayers of friends that somehow for some reason saved me.
Others weren’t as fortunate.
And a nation aches for them. We also feel for those whose health has been compromised perhaps for the rest of their lives.
Much has been written about the politics of Covid, but not as much focus has been placed on the human toll of this virus.
That’s why it was so gratifying to see our beautiful nation’s Capitol illuminated with lights remembering those we’ve lost.
So many people of all ages and from all walks of life no longer with us. So many empty seats at the family table.
It’s important to grieve and to acknowledge the loss we have suffered.
These national rituals are reminders that we are one country—indivisible but only if we choose to be. It’s a choice.
Regardless, there is power in empathy.
Leaders look for opportunities to connect and educate.
They look for teachable moments that can move hearts and minds.
Yesterday’s Covid memorial was pitch perfect.
We needed to mourn, honor and remember—together. The together part is most important. Especially now.
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