Life as we know it is changing, and the trickle-down of the unprecedented and far-reaching arm of COVID-19 is affecting everyone.

It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around a virus that is having such an impact on our daily lives.

While, we have so far been fortunate in our state to not yet have a massive outbreak of the novel coronavirus, by all accounts it is sure to come.

I appreciate those in leadership positions who have to make hard calls and are asking the public to practice good hygiene, to distance from one another, to not gather in large groups and to shelter at home. By adhering to their instruction, it could mean the difference between a life or death situation.

I certainly think we should abide by the guidelines, but realize too, that it comes with great cost.

Financially, this could be devastating. I think about many of our locally-owned businesses and pray they make it through.

I also think about those on the front lines. Like everyone else, they are also at risk of contracting the virus.

These worries and fears are great, and while they should be our biggest concerns, it doesn’t negate the disappointments that have and will come.

While some children may be reveling in a longer than normal break from the school year, I am sure those who are seniors may have a different take on the situation. Whether it’s high school or college, for a student who is graduating, walking across the stage to receive a diploma is monumental.

It’s monumental for the parents, too.

My child was set to graduate from college this spring, but now the ceremony has been canceled.

Another one will hopefully take place in the future, but I’m not sure how that will work out for those who may have moved on to a job.

While earning a college degree definitely symbolizes a huge accomplishment, it would have been devastating for me as a mother to have to forgo one of my children’s high school graduations.

I am saddened for those who will be affected.

And let us not forget about all the couples that had wedding plans. Invitations were sent, venues and bands booked and florist and caterers hired.

Also, vacations have had to be put on hold and funeral services kept small. The countless number of events that have either been postponed or canceled is endless.

COVID-19 has not been selective.

While we all may not contract the virus, we all have been affected; all of our lives have changed.

The effects of the coronavirus have been challenging and unwelcome, but even in our disappointments, as a collective body of people, we must continue to adhere to the safety measures on the front end.

By prioritizing and sacrificing these special moments in time, it will surely serve us well in the long run.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.