Newspapers, radio stations, all the media, have recognized today as the beginning of the pandemic. Covid-19…what was that?? The “term” became as dominant in our world as any other in the dictionary; it was a household “phrase” (“term,” “phrase,” what was it?). It was a disease. A professor at the University of Delaware was the first person in the First State to be diagnosed with it; he certainly would not be the last. And, today, one year later, when we need no explanation when we hear “Covid-19,” the only explanation we do need as we’re faced with the reality of over a half-million deaths, is why so many?

You and I think of the wives and husbands, sons and daughters, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers…on and on…who are bereft.

You and I think of the business owners, the cashiers and servers, the hair-stylists and barbers, the…well, if I mentioned everyone who was financially impacted by Covid-19, Dostoevsky’s War and Peace would be a pamphlet in comparison!

Suzy and I watch a number of medical programs on tv. Ok, they’re not really “medical” programs, rather prime-time soap operas. Nevertheless, as the new season began they all had at least a one-hour show dedicated to the pandemic. The point is that they reflected the real world: nurses and physicians, technicians and custodians were overwhelmed physically and emotionally. While these were scripted, what went on in the hospitals of our cities and towns was not at all scripted, and they and the other front-line workers must be considered victims of Covid-19 as well. As most of you know, I know first-hand.

It’s amazing what we don’t know. For example, having had Covid-19 I was told all kinds of things regarding the vaccine(s). Some said that Suzy and I would have to wait 90 days before receiving our first vaccination. My own physician said that was not true. After we were out of isolation, after our symptoms had passed, we could get a shot. As I registered for my first injection, I was very clear when I told the registrar and supervisor my personal situation: “I was discharged from the hospital five weeks ago. Am I eligible or should I go home?” I asked. “As long as you were not infused with antibodies you can get your shot now. Stay in line.”

And then I heard that whether or not it was the one-and-done Johnson and Johnson vaccine, even a single dose of Pfizer or Moderna was sufficient. That was unacceptable to my physician, just as it was unacceptable to our home-grown physician, our daughter, a clinical social worker. In fact, should we choose to visit our grandchildren we could use their bathroom but had to visit on the driveway.

One year…one long and dark and strange and confusing and overwhelming and challenging and…. year, a year that might last a little longer than a year, but a year I hope I, Suzy, my children and grandchildren, and theirs…and you as well…never have to experience again.