Loss in a Pandemic

Cynthia L. Eppley, MA

Loss

If we name it, we can begin to manage it.
But what have we lost in Covid 19?
When we begin to name the ways, we begin to understand the magnitude of this Pandemic and how it is affecting us.

1. Loss of Security

For most of us, a trip to the grocery store has been part of life. I need lemons for a recipe? No problem. I’ll stop on the way home.
But in the past 6 weeks we have gone from being careful, to being quarantined.
Some places require gloves when shopping.

And now, in PA, we are supposed to wear masks.
Note—it has never been entirely “safe” to go to the store. Germs are everywhere. Bacteria and viruses live in a plethora of places.
But before, washing your hands when you got home would do the trick.
Now, many stores are disinfecting the carts before you go in.

2. Loss of “freedom”

Six weeks ago it was expected that I had freedom to go where I wanted. And do what I wanted to do. With every change in this pandemic, new guidelines have been added to manage its’ spread. This is well and good. It is necessary. But change is hard for us. It sets us on edge.

Now I can’t drive to Delaware without having my license plate examined. And I may receive a fine to drive to another state.
A current post on Facebook puts it succinctly:

We Americans are an independent sort and do not want to be told what to do. Perhaps we may listen when we understand it is for the greater good.

3. Loss of Community: “Social Distancing”

Certainly the word for 2020 will be “Social Distancing.” Stay at least 6 feet away from one another.
No playdates.
No hugs between friends.

No Spring Break in Florida.
Funerals? Not happening, except for very few people.
Births? Only Mom and the new baby. Dads are not allowed in the hospital. Babies still insist on their own arrival date and Dad joins in through Zoom.

4. Loss of Celebrations

There has been noted a real loss for the graduating class of 2020.
Especially those Seniors in high school.It is hard enough to say goodbye to life long friends before we begin our college careers. But now, the passage of time cannot be marked by pomp and circumstance.
Rites of passage: Proms, Yearbook signing, Senior night? Lost in the pandemic.
Students and teachers alike mourn the sweet goodbye and sending forth into Middle School. No parties.
Bridal showers must be done—and it IS done, virtually.
Weddings are even held virtually. Where there is a will, there is a way. And love wins.

5. Loss of events

Don’t even begin to list the sports events on a national level. March has come and gone and the only madness we knew was the Pandemic.
Covid-19 put an end to book clubs, except on a virtual level.
An end to Garden Clubs. An end to Mother’s Markets and rummage sales.

And yet—God Reigns.

There are so many losses. When we begin to look at them, there is an understanding of our despondency and lack of energy, our lack of motivation.
And yet.
He knows us.

He holds us in the palm of His hand.
As we go through these trials, we can be assured of His gentle presence.

Psalm 42:11
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 27:13
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

And because music speaks into our hearts:

I have a maker
He formed my heart, Before even time began My life was in his hands He knows my name
He knows my every thought, He sees each tear that falls And hears me when I call  (Paul Baloche, He knows my name.)