Thanksgiving, Christmas, and now the New Year-can we really spend the holidays without those dear to our hearts? We missed all the birthdays, anniversaries, and even had to watch weddings from video calls. So, a few minutes to visit the family should not hurt-wrong!
It Was Nearly an Hour Together
Joseph Bruno recalled the day his sister brought their mom over to his apartment. Carol Bruno, 79 bonded with her grown-up kids over pizza. Then, she gave Joseph a haircut, too.
The family took precautions. They did not hug and kept their face masks on indoors. As an added precaution, they opened the windows and Carol sat by the windows.
Joseph said, "We are a very close Italian family, so naturally we see each other often, hug and kiss." But this year, due to the pandemic, Joseph said the family really sacrificed all year. But by November, they thought an innocent quick visit and wearing masks could keep the short visit a safe one.
She was COVID-19 Negative
Joseph's sister also recently got tested for COVID-19 and the result was negative. Still, she was quarantined at home for three days, People reported. Joseph was also more of a homebody.
But, shortly after Carol's visit, Joseph's sister started to show symptoms of COVID-19. Not long after, their parents Joseph and Carol, who did not live with them, also felt the symptoms. Their minds were confused as Joseph said, "We thought we did everything by not embracing and wearing our masks."
Parents Die Three Weeks after Visit
Carol developed severe illness due to COVID-19. By Thanksgiving, she had been admitted at the hospital. Her husband, Mike, 80 also contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized two weeks after Carol. Mike and Carol were both put on a ventilator. "Three weeks after...both my parents were gone. These two huge losses are devastating to our entire family." Joseph revealed.
Mike and Carol died nine days apart. Mike was put on ventilator just a day after Carol passed. The couple was married for nearly six decades, Business Insider reported. Joseph described his parents as having an abundance of love for everyone.
Unsafe to Visit Other Homes
Joseph revealed his realization over their great misfortune: No matter how short a visit, or how seemingly safe it is, there is always a risk. "30 to 40 minutes with my mom-had I sacrificed not to spend those minutes with her, she would have still been here."
Joseph, who also experienced the symptoms of COVID-19 after their small get-together, revealed how people with good health can get infected too. "I am extremely healthy and active but I could not get out of bed for 10 days."
The grown-up kids also did not get the chance to say goodbye to Mike and Carol. They could not see their parents or be by their side because of strict protocols.
Now, Joseph is making people aware of the seriousness of the impact of COVID-19. "The virus does not discriminate. It attacks in vicious ways. So, it is baffling to think you're immune."
