A shock and the hope for better

Recently, I heard from a close friend that her husband had just passed away from COVID-19. We used to work together years ago, both retired, but we kept in touch through Facebook so the message that morning was a shock.

I continued with my morning routine but while having my second cup of coffee, the message passed through my mind again. I had an overwhelming blanket of sadness fall over me, my eyes welled up and I hugged my dog so tightly he whimpered.

When the daily death total for Illinois was given on the news, I couldn't help thinking "Stan is one of those folks." And, again, I was overwhelmed and chased the dog down for a hug. My heart aches every time I hear these horrible numbers but now, more so.

The number of fatalities from this cursed virus shouldn't be as horrendous as it is. The nation was betrayed by an ignorant leader and an even more ignorant advisory staff. The advice of professional, career scientists was disregarded early on and, to preserve fragile egos, was never correctly acknowledged. Shame on them. They have hundreds of thousands of deaths on their heads.

There may be light at the end of the horrible pandemic tunnel both with new, mindful leadership and vaccines that, hopefully, will work. I also have the utmost admiration for the doctors and nurses dealing with this without pause and for their endless endurance.

I don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer" but I had to vent. I'm certain I'm not the only person feeling the fraying of nerves and the last one percent of resilience evaporating away.

Anyway, Merry Christmas and God bless us with a Happy New Year.

DeLynn Winkelman

Arlington Heights