Tony was a bright spot in so many lives. He always had a smile on his face, greeted co-workers, worked his butt off and was proud of every minute of every day. His routine was pretty set in stone because he was on the spectrum, but with preparation, he was willing to compromise. The highlight of each year was a summer trip to Denver where he had to go to the Coors Brewery in Golden and have one, maybe two small beers because “he didn’t want to become an alcoholic.” We also had to attend the Rockies fireworks game and stay to watch the last glitter fall from the sky. This trip included dinner at the restaurant attached to the stadium. It was “tradition”.

So many people lost a very important person when he died. Unlike many who succumbed to Covid-19, we were very lucky in that Tony’s death was quick, so quick we had no way to prepare. We thought we had our usual early fall allergies, no reason to think otherwise; we washed our hands, wore our masks, stayed away from crowds, but it still found us. Because we all thought we had allergies, I stayed home from work those two days and will never regret that decision. He was doing his usual activities on his computer and at lunch time, stood up and said “Whoa, I am really dizzy.” He made his way to his recliner and sat down, asked someone to fix his lunch (which he always did himself) and died. His father and I had the blessing to complete that circle of life with him. We had been there at his birth and were there with him just four days after his birthday to see him taken home with God.

We have experienced all those questions of was he vaccinated? – answer no, not developed yet. Underlying health issues? – answer just a mere 3 weeks earlier, his doctor told him how proud he was for the positive directions he had taken on his overall health.

We were also blessed in that we could have a funeral for him. although I asked that those attending wear masks and social distance. It was a beautiful celebration of a wonderful man’s life. But, I will always grieve the loss of my firstborn that came way too soon. There are still people who have not heard that Covid took him; so many are uncomfortable that they never heard. But, times were weird and communication not what it always was, and I have the opportunity to share with them the marvelous person we lost. It has become my mission to never let him be forgotten. Those who have lost their lives to Covid must not be swept under the rug. We need to remember them and their loss the way all losses are remembered.

I read someone is trying to get a Federal holiday for Covid victims; what a great idea to remember so many great people!!