The City of Passaic has had 3,356 recorded cases of Covid-19 — the coronavirus — with numbers still rising. To date, 218 local residents have died from the virus.

In an ongoing worldwide pandemic with no end to be seen, it can be easy to relinquish any hope that circumstances will improve. But this pandemic has taught me one thing: How to find the light in the darkness of this situation. I turned to my family of nine for that light after we became one of the many families directly affected by Covid-19. 

My 39-year-old father was the first one to come down with this new infectious disease. Despite body aches and headaches, he insisted he was alright. He believed he injured himself while working out.

A week later, I fell ill.

I had constant, throbbing headaches that made me feel like banging my head against the wall so that it would stop. I struggled to smell anything like food, soap, or perfume. I felt so sick to the point where I didn’t want to get up from my bed at times. Thankfully, I had only a mild cough. These symptoms lasted for three days, yet it felt like an eternity. My family assumed it was allergies because I was constantly sneezing. It was when I went to get tested for antibodies that my family found out I had Covid-19.

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I had constant, throbbing headaches that made me feel like banging my head against the wall so that it would stop. I struggled to smell anything like food, soap, or perfume. I felt so sick to the point where I didn’t want to get up from my bed at times.

— Melissa Reyes, Prep senior

After my symptoms receded, my mother was next. She had it the worst, especially considering her age as she is 39. She struggled to breathe, her body suffered from aches and constant fevers, and it was difficult to talk to her because she would get out of breath. Seeing her like this shattered my heart. She wasn’t one to get sick, let alone get a fever. Her body was being taken over by the disease, and it appeared to be winning. 

My father and mother were tested for the virus as soon as she developed these alarming symptoms. They received a call three days later from the testing site, confirming this intruder broke into our home and was now threatening to consume my loved ones.

My six siblings and I were distraught over not being able to see our parents, who were in quarantine. My younger siblings would cry and question if my parents were going to die from the virus. I had to reassure them they wouldn’t, even when I wasn’t sure myself.

My older brother and two younger brothers, 16 and 12, ended up showing symptoms of the virus. They were isolated in their rooms.

It’s difficult helping to take care of five younger siblings. It’s even tougher when you have to take care of them, your parents, and an older brother. It didn’t help when I had to worry about completing my schoolwork and studying for four Advanced Placement exams.

Even if it meant staying up late at night to finish my assignments, I did it. I had the support of aunts, uncles, and cousins who knew what was going on. They sometimes dropped off food or groceries to help alleviate the stress.

It took awhile for my parents and siblings to recover from Covid-19. But thankfully, they did. 

My Takeaway from this Experience

I’ve seen and experienced what the virus can do firsthand. It can dismantle life as you know it. It can make you feel all sorts of confusing emotions. At times, it can make you feel alone and anxious for the future. 

If you develop symptoms, just know: You are not alone. We are in this together, even if it may not seem like it.

I’ve developed a greater appreciation for life: To be thankful for what you have and who you have. To be happy that you were able to wake up another day with a roof over your head.

My family was the brightness people seek in tough situations like this. They were my rock, the support I needed to push myself. We were hopeful in times where the signs were pointing otherwise. 

I have learned to live life to the fullest. Do things you never thought you would do. Cherish the smallest moments, even the times where you are sitting in bed comfortably.

Be a Responsible Citizen

To avoid contracting Covid-19, social distance, and wear a face mask (also wash your hands, something you should do already). As a member of society, it is one’s duty to conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner.

It may feel uncomfortable having to wear a mask outside, but it is way better than having Covid-19.

Better to stay six feet apart than to be buried six feet under. The pandemic is far from over. Don’t treat it like it already is.