Honor, remember and give thanks

March 13, 2020, is a date all of us will remember. We’ll always recall where we were, who we were with and what we were feeling when the national emergency was declared in the face of a growing public health and economic crisis due to COVID-19.

We knew very little about COVID-19 at the time. But we knew the impact would be widely felt by frontline health care workers and hospitals across the country, including OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center.

Now, one year later, we pause to reflect on the journey we’ve been on, the sacrifices many of us have made and the grief that washes over us because of the loss of friends and loved ones to this devastating disease.

But we also feel the gratitude. The gratitude for those who have worked tirelessly to care for the sick and for each other – our frontline health care workers. THEY ARE OUR HEROES. At OSF Little Company of Mary, they are our Mission Partners who carry out the Mission of our Sisters by serving with the greatest care and love every single day.

The year these frontline heroes have experienced – that we all have experienced – has given way to optimism and perseverance. The battle to end this pandemic continues, but there is a light shining brightly.

Thanks to the thousands of unsung heroes in the scientific, academic and medical communities, we now have three safe, effective vaccines. The collective effort is unprecedented and applauded.

COVID-19 has taken so much from so many – untold death, disrupted families, uncelebrated milestones and holidays, the isolation from family members …

But please know, that you can help end the suffering. You, your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and everyone you don’t know – all of us – can change things by getting vaccinated. If you’re uncertain, it’s understandable. But getting vaccinated when you have the opportunity is our best shot to stop the sickness and death and get us back to the things we love – hugging family, enjoying friends, growing our businesses, even attending big events and worship services.

Despite the loss of the last year, we’ve gained appreciation, respect and gratitude. Our hearts are full of gratitude, and will continue to be full, for the work of all frontline health care workers. And our hearts are also filled with hope as we move forward together to end this pandemic.

May God bless you all.