Treat coronavirus like a war and do your part for the nation

My heart breaks every day as I see the increasing COVID numbers.

I lost my husband of 33 years in April — not due to COVID-19 — but he passed in the hospital under lockdown and I couldn't be with him. His passing also happened on the first day of my early retirement. We had plans — we had travel booked, we had things to look forward to. I haven't been able to hold a memorial for him yet, and don't plan to do so until it's again safe.

My heart is breaking, but I'm doing my part. I don't go out except to buy food. I shop online. I haven't seen friends in weeks.

We need to look at this pandemic as a war — and we all need to do our part.

Is it really that big an ask to put on a mask? To cut social contacts for a couple of weeks? We have to treat this virus like a war and it requires all of us to step up.

Both of my parents served in the RCAF during the Second World War. They left their families and friends to join a fight of undefined duration for the good of the nation. They didn't know if they would even survive — but it was for the good of the nation, and the world. They sacrificed so we could enjoy what we have today. And now, my mother can't leave her condo for fear of catching a virus that others deem as insignificant.

We need to take a lesson from those who served, and do what our government and health officials are asking us to do. We still are able to go to the store to buy food — it hasn't been rationed. We can still leave our lights on at night as there are no blackout restrictions. We have the advantage of technology to keep connected with friends and family — which wasn't even possible during the war. We still have a lot of freedom that isn't allowed during a wartime effort — so be thankful that all you're being asked to do is so simple.

Canada has a long history of doing the right thing. We welcome refugees, we support nations, we put the needs of others before our own. Just look to the example Gander set during 9/11 — when the town took in thousands of stranded passengers — fed and clothed them for close to a week and asked for nothing in return.

They did it because it was the right thing to do at that moment in history.

Can we not do a simple thing like following the mandated health requirements and try to help bring down the numbers? I understand that people are tired. I am, too. I live alone, I eat alone, I miss the love of my life every day, and I would like nothing more than to meet with his friends and family and have a group hug.

We need to shelve our selfish tendencies, our need for entertainment and gratification, and do what's right for the country and the world right now.

Mona Franks, New Westminster