A letter to all those who lost someone to the pandemic.

I know you are in pain and you’re grieving. You lost someone you loved with all your heart. The worst part is you did not even get to say goodbye. It is difficult to cope up with this horrendous time. And I am sorry for you; for your loss which is irreparable.

I know, right now you’re feeling hopeless that despite your efforts of running here and there to get a bed in the hospital, procuring an oxygen cylinder after standing in queues for hours, your loved one’s life could not be saved. You have given up on the administration and the government of this country which you think has failed you. You look around and all you see is grief and misery, people exactly like you lamenting over their own loss. You see it up on the television, on social media, in everyday conversations about how this deadly virus has taken away thousands of lives. You just cannot seem o escape this reality which only adds to your pain.

Every day, you wake up with the same questions in mind- why did this have to happen to them, why couldn’t they be saved like many others, why did they have to die? But my friend, let me tell you, some questions can never be answered in a way that can satisfy your heart and mind. So please do not enter into this tunnel of never-ending questions. Instead, hold onto all the good memories you have with your person and cherish them.

You never knew life could be so harsh and unpredictable. You weren’t ready to let go and say goodbye like this. It is even more challenging because you could not look after them when they were lying sick on that bed, you could not be next to them to make them feel strong, you could not even hug them for the last time.

Every emotion you’re feeling right now- pain, anger, frustration, sadness, anxiety, shock, guilt, confusion, helplessness is justified. You have every right to feel this way and mourn over your loss. Take your time. But please don’t let these emotions consume you. Willingly or unwillingly, you have to move forward in life. Right now, give yourself the time and space to heal. Just take care of yourself.

No one had ever thought that a microscopic organism; a virus would come into the world and create havoc, that we would be forced to exist in this pandemic with a scary and frightening world out there. Just remember, you are not alone, we are in this together, all of us. We will make it through this and one day this pandemic will end. We will live in a covid-free world. You will begin to feel okay and move forward in life. You will get that smile back on your face and you’ll feel joy and happiness. You’ll remember the person who died but only the pleasing memories. Just hold on and stay strong. The world will soon begin to make sense.

Sending hope, love, and positivity your way. We will fight this together.

-Someone who is grieving just like you

---