This has been a tough week. We learned about the COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke after the first resident tested positive. Within a week's time, 11 veterans had passed away with 5 of them testing positive for COVID-19, 5 pending results, and 1 unknown. Suddenly, the place my father-in-law has called home for more than a year is under intense scrutiny by local, state and federal officials, and the lives of the residents and staff are in jeopardy. As of Thursday, 18 veterans had died, and 12 of them tested positive for COVID-19. Staff has also been affected and some have tested positive.
As we sit here awaiting the results of my father-in-law's test, we are thankful the nurses have been able to help us communicate with him via phone and over FaceTime. It has been three weeks since we've been able to visit him or take him out for dinner. I'm sure he is lonely. But, the nurses tell me he is still smiling. We can see the crinkling of his cheeks under the mask.
In the days ahead, there will be investigations. This situation has now become politicized. The mayor of Holyoke is saying the administration of the Soldiers' Home did not inform him in a timely fashion. Governor Baker's office is saying he didn't know about it until Mayor Morse told him. The superintendent for the Home has been placed on paid administrative leave and the National Guard has been brought in. The latest news is that an employee was reprimanded for wearing PPE the day before the first resident tested positive. No matter what the investigation uncovers, the Soldier's Home in Holyoke is going to have a lot of damage control to do to fix their tarnished reputation.
And, then, there are the families. Eighteen families have lost loved ones so far. How many more veterans' lives will be claimed as a result of this virus is unknown. Since we can't visit, we can only hope they are following all the protocols and doing their best to keep our loved ones safe. We have been fortunate to see how wonderful my father-in-law was treated on 3 North before he was moved to 4 West as a result of staff shortages when people fell ill (not necessarily of the virus, but they have been screening employees for weeks).
Let's talk about the staff for a moment. Every day they are going back into that building and caring for our loved ones despite the outbreak. God bless each and every one of them.
I pray you and your family are safe and healthy. Let's do our best to support each other in this time of need.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
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