COVID-19...isn’t it crazy how something so small can cause such large changes seemingly overnight?

It seems like it wasn’t that long ago that we were all just talking about what an amazing year 2020 was going to be for all of us (and still can be by the way - we will get through this). New year, new you, new opportunities and then WHAM...something microscopic in size came along that would change our lives, forever.

There are so many different emotions surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed with panic, fear, sadness, anger and confusion as we wait for new updates. 

Our Hearts Go Out to the Entire Medical Community

While most Americans are told to stay home, first responders and those who work in the healthcare system are risking their lives everyday for us. 

They show up and serve the community to give those in need proper care when they need it most. We are humbled by their selfless acts of service and forever grateful for the sacrifice they are making for the world. 

To all our amazing healthcare workers, thank you! Thank you for putting in the long hours to keep us safe and healthy. And thank you for selflessly taking care of those affected by this terrible virus.

An Inside Look at What It’s Like on the Frontlines

With everything going on in the world right now, we wanted to take a moment and give you some insight into what it’s like working on the frontlines of this pandemic. 

Virginia Brown, a clinical nurse at UC Irvine Health Center, was able to share some inspiring insight with us. 

HOL: In these trying times, where do you find courage? 

VB: “I find courage in knowing that I’ve been through worse things in life. Battling childhood severe asthma has put a lot of my life into perspective and is one of the main reasons as to why I chose to be a nurse. With that said, I find courage in the knowledge that is given to me as a medical professional. Either I can choose to have asthma rule my life and dictate what I do or I learn how to cope with it.

The same goes for the current situation with COVID-19, in fact I’m in the COVID-19 task force in my unit. Knowledge and knowing I’ve been through worse in life helps me with my courage greatly. Lastly, baby William (coming in August) needs his mom to stare down stress and steer clear from the scare it brings. He deserves a mom that can look fear in the eye and say “bring it”. 

HOL: Can you share a moment where you witnessed compassion and love? 

VB: “It’s interesting you ask me about this right now because we are all scared and unsure of what is to come. And because of that I’ve seen people come out and support each other in so many different ways. It is true, the worst times bring out the best in everyone.” 

HOL: Is there anything we, the public, can do to help you? 

VB: “The public can help by staying home. Staying home means less stress on our hospital system and less stress on the healthcare workers.  Only go to the ER if you’re having shortness of breath and cannot control your fever and have exhausted all options before going. You can help me by keeping a sanitizer bottle in your pocket when you absolutely have to go out to the grocery store. You can also help me by staying away from the hospitals and their ER units because to begin with they are blacked out and don’t have enough resources. With that said, I need everyone to listen to the CDC or to ask medical professionals if they have questions about our current times. I’m happy to answer any of your questions since I am part of UCI’s COVID-19 task force, I will be happy to relieve your stress and answer your questions.” 

As the virus continues to spread, we hope everyone is staying safe and taking the necessary precautions for their own safety, as well as others. 

We thank you Virginia for everything she is doing to care for and protect the public during this time.  

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay inside.

See how our HOL staff is staying safe during this time:

https://houseoflashes.com/pages/covid-19-update