Summary
Life, with its fleeting nature, often leads us to believe that we have a good 70-80 years ahead. However, the harsh truth is that mortality can unexpectedly confront us, regardless of our age. In the narrative "Life's Precious Gift," the author's experience of losing their grandmother significantly reshapes their perception of life's delicate fragility and underscores the paramount importance of treasuring meaningful bonds with our dear ones, especially amid periods of upheaval. This sentiment extends beyond the author's encounter, resonating with countless individuals who confronted akin circumstances during the advent of the 2020 pandemic. In this essay, we will delve into the profound effects of COVID-19 and bereavement on people's outlooks and how these events, including those depicted in the narrative, have influenced their perspectives on existence and how the profound impact of losing a cherished person can reverberate through our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
First and foremost, Covid-19 is a swiftly spreading virus that often results in severe sickness. The sudden arrival of Covid starting in 2019 – 2020 abruptly disrupted everyone's lives, including the author of “Life’s Precious Gift” casting a shadow of sorrow overall. According to World Health Organization, “Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.” The evidence highlights the abrupt and distressing impact of Covid-19 on people's lives. It underscores the rapid transmission and severe health implications of the virus. It also highlights the unpredictability of the virus and reinforces the notion that vigilance and precautions are crucial for everyone, regardless of their perceived level of risk. As the death toll rate increased, people started valuing their needs. The advent of the pandemic served as a catalyst for reevaluating one's priorities and core necessities. This transformative period prompted individuals to place an amplified emphasis on safeguarding their well-being and seeking stability in a world suddenly beset by uncertainty. “The values of keeping safe and stable became more important at the beginning of the pandemic. Our respondents, and especially those who worried about their health, immediately started prioritizing safety and security, and traditions around one's family, culture, and religion” (Ella Daniel). Ella Daniel's observation encapsulates this transformative process succinctly, revealing how concerns about health and safety prompted an immediate and instinctive reprioritization. The mention of respondents valuing their family, culture, and religion underscores the profound impact of the pandemic on core aspects of human identity and interconnectedness. This connects with the narrative “Life’s Precious Gift”, as the author too began to treasure and prioritize their familial connections.
Amid the pandemic and strict quarantine measures, people encountered health challenges affecting both their physical well-being and emotional state. “In contrast, twice as many Americans (28%) described how the physical or mental health of themselves or the people they care about has degraded as the pandemic has dragged on. Many mourned the loss of loved ones to COVID-19 or detailed their own struggles with the virus. Others described more indirect health impacts of the pandemic, including stress and depression, weight gain, or a lack of exercise”. This data collected by researchers underscore the diverse impact of the pandemic on individuals' well-being. The accounts of those who mourned the loss of loved ones or narrated their personal struggles with COVID-19 reveal the devastating toll the virus has taken on families and communities. These stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the pandemic, illuminating the sorrow and grief that many have endured including the author of the narrative “Life’s Precious Gift”. Losing her grandmother impacted her mentally and she started to appreciate the people around her and cherish every moment of her life. On the other hand, what about the patients who were in the hospitals that were diagnosed with covid? Based on The Journal of Nursing Studies, “Perhaps if the family had been around, they could have taken away the anxiety. They [the patients] came and left with a lot of fear. Understandable. If the family had been there, the experience might have been less traumatic.” (Nurse, focus-group 1)”. Facing a medical situation can be intimidating and overwhelming, often leading to heightened levels of fear and apprehension. The nurses that were in the hospital during the pandemic stated that the presence of loved ones could have provided comfort, reassurance, and a sense of security, thereby helping patients cope with their emotions and alleviate the intensity of their anxiety. Family members serve as emotional anchors, offering a familiar and soothing presence during a time when patients may feel vulnerable and uncertain. In the narrative essay, the author and her family were unable to be on her grandmother's side which might have left her grandmother lonely and harder to fight for her life. We never know what her grandmother went through while she spent her last days in the hospital being ill, unable to speak to her family, and unfortunately losing her life. In considering these various narratives and perspectives, it becomes evident that the pandemic has heightened the value of human relationships and emphasized the interconnectedness of our emotional and physical well-being. The experiences recounted, both from personal stories and medical observations, serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of challenges and the enduring need for compassion, empathy, and support during times of crisis. As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones and the profound impact that simple acts of kindness and presence can have on our collective well-being.
Lastly, as we conclude our exploration, we delve into the profound wisdom that individuals have extracted from the crucible of the COVID-19 pandemic and the heart-wrenching loss of their dear ones. This phase of our inquiry illuminates the invaluable lessons that have acted as catalysts for transformative change, casting a spotlight on the factors that have wielded significant influence in reshaping their outlooks. “When someone you love dies, you are dealing with more than one human love loss. The roles they played in your life- your companion, your shoulder to cry on, mentor, and all the hopes and dreams you had for and with them are your secondary losses and need to be grieved as well” (Caitlin Viera). The provided quote encapsulates the multifaceted nature of grief when a loved one passes away. It underscores that the impact of such a loss extends beyond the immediate bond shared with the person. Rather, it encompasses the myriad roles they fulfilled in one's life, ranging from being a confidant and supporter to a guide and even a source of inspiration. This analysis highlights the profound depth of emotion and complexity that accompanies the grieving process. Grief has a profound way of reshaping people's views on life and fostering a deeper appreciation for one another. When individuals experience the loss of a loved one, it often serves as a poignant reminder of life's impermanence and the fragility of human existence. This realization can prompt a significant shift in perspective, leading to several transformative changes. “The five main effects Post-Traumatic Growth can have: New appreciation for life, Improved relationships with others, Excitement for new possibilities in life, New-found personal strength, A change in perspective about spirituality”. This all connects to our author’s views which she states in her narrative how her views on life changed. In the face of such a profound loss, she embraced a new outlook on life. The author learned to prioritize spending quality time with her family and loved ones, nurturing the relationships that truly matter. And not just our author but everyone who faced hardships during the pandemic started to appreciate the moments they shared together. As individuals navigate the intricate layers of loss and glean valuable lessons from their experiences, a common thread emerges: the profound impact of loss extends beyond the immediate, challenging individuals to reevaluate their priorities, foster deeper connections, and embrace a newfound appreciation for the precious moments shared with loved ones.
Overall, this comprehensive exploration unveils the intricate tapestry woven by the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal narratives, and profound insights. The relentless march of time, seemingly abundant yet inherently uncertain, reminds us that life's brevity is a steadfast truth. The pandemic's stark disruptions and devastating toll serve as crucibles from which transformative wisdom emerges. Grief teaches us that embracing life's impermanence awakens an authentic appreciation for existence itself. Through the lens of collective hardship and introspection, we witness a profound reshaping of values, priorities, and relationships. This sentiment reverberates across the pandemic's canvas, where individuals, grappling with a newfound sense of vulnerability, recalibrate their compass towards the essence of human connection. As the chapters of this exploration end, we are left with the resounding call to treasure each fleeting moment, to embrace empathy, and to recognize that amidst the ebb and flow of existence, it is our shared bonds that imbue life with its most profound meaning.
Bibliography:
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“Coronavirus=s.” World Health Organization, www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1. Accessed 5 Aug. 2023.
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Pelham, Brett, et al. “What Happened to People’s Values during the Covid-19 Pandemic?” SPSP, 4 Dec. 2020, spsp.org/news-center/character-context-blog/what-happened-peoples-values-during-covid-19-pandemic.
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Viera, Caitlin. “How Loss Can Give US Perspective.” Guyana Chronicle, 1 May 2022, guyanachronicle.com/2022/05/01/how-loss-can-give-us-perspective/.
Assignment 2