No One Knew
The Grief, Loss, and Trauma from COVID-19
No one ever knew what “COVID-19” would cause. Before March, we had never even heard of such a virus, and even when we had, it was never so close or personal.
No one knew the trauma it would cause or the mental health it would affect.
No one knew the damage.
We will never forget the day when we first had to test our entire building because we thought it was inside. We were mad. We were hurt. We were scared. We were devastated.
Weeks turned into months of testing. We cringed at the thought of “playing lab” one more time.
Our hearts stopped and we stopped breathing for a split second at every result we would receive.
We never knew how painful the sight of red ink could be, but we knew we never wanted to see it again.
It haunted us in our sleep.
Endless hours working.
The empty promises that you feel were made that you could not keep because even your best was not good enough.
The time spent on our knees praying for God to intervene and take over because it was not in our control.
Pastors circling our building covering it in prayer.
Masks and shields covering our recognizable faces to where we become like strangers to one another.
Empty halls. Empty rooms.
No one knew the tears that were shed looking out the window at yet another ambulance pulling up.
We cannot handle the sound of sirens anymore.
Another sick. Another lost.
Our family breaking a part, no longer one.
But what no one truly knew is the strength that was found in the battle.
Even when we felt alone, we were not.
That even small victories can be celebrated.
That miracles happened.
That there was worth in the fight.
That family is more than what we go home to.
That when you feel empty and helpless, you have the most powerful prayers and the greatest faith.
That God is still good and He still reigns.
No one ever knew what “COVID-19” would cause, but I can assure you that we will never forget the day it became personal.
By: Tara Branstetter
