Corona Virus - Now it's Personal

[BK001]

Sadly, my cousin passed away last night.

Ricky, who was one of my all-time favorite people, was only 56 years old. He worked in a law firm in New York City. A month ago he was told he had the flu for which Tamiflu was prescribed. The doctor assured him that he did not have any Covid-19 symptoms and did not need any testing. He returned to work a week later.

Monday night he was exhibiting shortness of breath. On Tuesday he was not answering his sister’s phone calls. She called me (frantic for support and advice) and we decided she should use her emergency key to access his apartment. She found him on the bedroom floor incoherent and non-responsive. Paramedics transported him to the hospital. Despite their best efforts, he passed 2 hours later. They said he was the first they lost in the emergency room.

We will not have a diagnosis until we get the Medical Examiner’s report in 2 days but the hospital said they are “99% sure it was Corona”.

To add to the sadness, his fiancé was scheduled to relocate from Texas to move in with him this Saturday.

I have not seen him since our move 4 years ago. Although he has never been to The Villages, we had planned for him and his fiancé to visit us later this year.

Ricky, may you rest in peace, knowing how much the family and I loved you.

[Villageswimmer]

Oh, it’s so very sad to hear this. God bless you and all your family.

[manaboutown]

That is a tragedy. I am very sorry this happened. Take care.

[Taltarzac725]

Sad to hear this. I probably know someone that has passed from this too given how many places I have lived and the very large number of people I have met.

[TIBS38]

God bless you and your family. I will keep your family in my prayers.

[John_W]

So sorry to hear about your loss. Have any of the family try to determine where he may have caught the virus. Was he traveling lately, had guests from out of the country, his work enviroment, I know a law firm might have international clients. That's what I would be thinking about now if I lived or work around him, how did he get it?

[Redstonelady]

Very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.

[Nucky]

Sadly, my cousin passed away last night.

Ricky, who was one of my all-time favorite people, was only 56 years old. He worked in a law firm in New York City. A month ago he was told he had the flu for which Tamiflu was prescribed. The doctor assured him that he did not have any Covid-19 symptoms and did not need any testing. He returned to work a week later.

Monday night he was exhibiting shortness of breath. On Tuesday he was not answering his sister’s phone calls. She called me (frantic for support and advice) and we decided she should use her emergency key to access his apartment. She found him on the bedroom floor incoherent and non-responsive. Paramedics transported him to the hospital. Despite their best efforts, he passed 2 hours later. They said he was the first they lost in the emergency room.

We will not have a diagnosis until we get the Medical Examiner’s report in 2 days but the hospital said they are “99% sure it was Corona”.

To add to the sadness, his fiancé was scheduled to relocate from Texas to move in with him this Saturday.

I have not seen him since our move 4 years ago. Although he has never been to The Villages, we had planned for him and his fiancé to visit us later this year.

Ricky, may you rest in peace, knowing how much the family and I loved you.

BK, we are both so sorry for your loss. What a terrible tragedy. Our Prayers for you, your family and Ricky and his Fiancé.

[mamamia54]

How very sad, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.

[villagetinker]

BK001, I am so sorry for your loss, I cannot find the words to help you in this time of sorrow. Please take care and I hope for better times.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So sorry for your loss.

[ColdNoMore]

Oh wow.

My deepest condolences. :(

[JudyLife]

So very sorry to read this. Just goes to show the danger of this virus yet some people are STILL not taking it seriously & following the advice. Sincere condolences to you & your family & may his soul rest in peace.

[Jewelz]

How tragic at such a young age. Prayers to you and your family.

[doyle31]

Thank you for bravely putting your loss online. More people need to hear these episodes in order to believe it. It is one positive thing that can come from a tragedy. You are blessed with family and courage.

[stadry]

sorry for your loss & glad you have those good memories,,, in the end, they're the greatest gift.
many of us were personally impacted when the planes hit on 9.11 - whether you lived in nj, ny, tx, fl, ca - wherever - around the world,,, this current tragedy will impact all of us - not just many !
1 of our dau's in delray bch isn't doing anything different nor is her circle of friends,,, guess her generation doesn't have obligations to community or whatever,,, i'm at a loss to explain it
no one can forecast the impact this will have on the world nor do any of us know anyone who's ever experienced something like this,,, hope to see you on the other side

[ChaRobPhe]

So sorry for your loss. Prayers are going out to you and the family.

[Dafoe]

So sorry for your loss. Sadly soon many of us will have similar stories to share as this virus sweeps the country. Praying for wisdom as the doctors valiantly try to find treatment options and vaccines. Stay safe all and limit your social contact.

[Yvetteperry]

So sorry for your loss

[ALadysMom]

I am sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and comfort for your and your family. Thank you for sharing. I will always think of Ricky when I hear the numbers reported When you lose someone important to you, ONE is far too many.May God bless & keep you & Ricky.

[Yukon9]

So sorry for your loss. Peace.

[Jeanette.U]

Thank you for sharing this sad sad personal experience. My heart goes out to you.

[JoeinFL]

Sorry for your loss. :(

[crydzanich]

I am so very sorr for your loss.

[jrm4081@juno.com]

So very sorry for your loss. We keep thinking that it will be the elderly who may become infected and not able to sustain--yet he was only 56 years. My deepest sympathy.

[kendi]

So sad 😢. I am sorry BK. Touched by the wonderful connection between you two. Such a blessing.

[duffersue]

Sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your story.

[Troopie]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.

[theruizs]

So sorry for your loss. Perhaps from his current vantage point he can help inspire those not taking this seriously to do so.

[J1ceasar]

rip - until this happens to more of us , no one will take it seriously.

[shariys]

I'm so very sorry ...

[tophcfa]

So sorry, very sad : (

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

My deepest sympathy for your loss. No words can help with the sorrow you are experiencing. Keep the faith Angels have welcomed him to God's house.

[lmcelwee]

So very sorry for your loss..such sad news and a life taken so quickly. Sending prayers and hugs...stay safe and healthy.

[clwahlstrom]

No one knows for absolute sure it was the coronavirus

[navair4me]

so very sorry for your loss ..hope all who read this will heed the gravity of the situation and will stay home and hopefully stay healthy. JDH,retired R.N.

[Ecuadog]

Thoughts and prayers.

[Mumbles]

Sadly, my cousin passed away last night.Ricky, may you rest in peace, knowing how much the family and I loved you.

My condolences to you and your family on Ricky's passing.

Ya know, since I've moved to TV, I feel especially sensitive to peoples' passings. I'm rather surprised that I tear up when I hear about others' misfortunes. Is that a symptom of "old age"?

[Velvet]

Dear BK your post was so hard to read, it brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry about your cousin. None of us ever know what tomorrow brings. The ancients used to say: Man proposes, God disposes.

May you have a beautiful day, and draw and paint to your heart’s content! And keep that lovely sense of fun.