Lifestyle
In recent times, a poignant trend has emerged on social media, with individuals sharing their “before” snapshots – the last images on their devices taken before the world changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. For countless people, life was once filled with routine and normalcy, until everything shifted dramatically. It was a sudden transition; one moment everything was ordinary, and the next, nothing would ever be the same again. News alerts, messages, and emails sent shockwaves through our lives.
The last photo on my phone prior to lockdown features my partner, our child, and our dog, taken after a particularly challenging night at a hospital in Los Angeles. On March 9, my son awoke feeling unwell, so I decided to keep him at home from school. By the evening, he was in distress, and we hurried to the emergency room, where he was promptly treated for severe respiratory issues. It was our first hospitalization since his birth, and the looming threat of COVID-19 cast a shadow over our experience. At that time, the effects of the virus on children were still uncertain, leaving us apprehensive.
Just a few days later, we learned that schools would be closing, and the stay-at-home order was imminent, with experts predicting an extended period before things could return to any semblance of normality.
Below, several of my friends have shared their last photos, accompanied by the stories that resonate with each of them.
Maya from NY:
Maya L.
“My father and I took our annual trip to Millerton to handle our taxes. Afterward, we indulged in some tea at the Harney and Sons café. It turned out to be a wonderful day, and it’s surreal to think that these familiar places might not be around when we’re finally able to return. I intend to visit more often in the future.”
Sophie from WA:
Sophie T.
“We enjoyed a special mommy-daughter day on March 12, when she was out of school for conferences. The very next day, schools were closed, and we decided to keep her brother at home. That day marked my last moment of feeling secure in public spaces. Reality hit hard the following day.”
Jasmine from TX:
Jasmine H.
“This picture was captured on March 29. The stay-at-home order followed shortly, although many businesses had already begun to close. Our son’s spring break was from March 9-13, and he was meant to return on the 16th, but schools shut down indefinitely. It was a difficult adjustment for us. He thrives on routine due to his ASD, and while we’ve managed to find a new normal, we’ve had our share of tough days.”
Liam from MA:
Liam R.
“The last photo before everything shut down was when our cat tried to sneak into Graham’s lunch bag. I almost miss the mundane task of packing lunches, which I used to dread. It’s oddly bittersweet.”
Evelyn from Seattle:
Evelyn M.
“This was my last shift at the bar before we closed. I wasn’t aware it would be our final day when I took this selfie. I was venting about the shipments when I snapped it, having just mixed drinks for two regulars, with whom I still keep in touch via a group chat.”
Olivia from MI:
Olivia P.
“On March 10, my son turned 18, and we went out to vote in the Michigan primary election. This primary is believed to have contributed to the state’s severe COVID-19 impact. I feel grateful that our polling place is small and seldom busy, unlike many others.”
Ava from TN:
Ava C.
“It was my first outing alone with all three kids, and I felt like I could handle it. We had the best day at the zoo, and I vowed to take them there weekly. I even asked a stranger to photograph us, unaware that just days later, the world would change drastically. To this day, that remains the only time I’ve managed to take all of them out alone.”
Nora from OH:
Nora T.
“This photo was from my second-grader’s last basketball practice. I was exhausted from juggling work and dinner prep before rushing him to the rec center, completely unaware that our routine was about to come to a sudden halt. I don’t miss the hectic shuffle of activities, but I truly miss witnessing his joy on the court.”
As we ponder when life might revert to something resembling “normal,” one thing is certain: the world we knew will never be the same. These photos serve as a time capsule, a reminder that a different reality once existed. Some images capture the ordinary moments of daily life, while others commemorate joyful occasions shared with loved ones. Your last “normal” photo tells a story of a past life, one that we may never experience in the same way again. For further reflections, check out this post on home insemination here.
In addition, if you’re looking for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, you can find excellent resources on CDC as well as insights from experts at Intracervical Insemination.
Summary:
The recent social media trend of sharing the last “normal” photos before the pandemic highlights the stark contrast between pre- and post-COVID life. Individuals reflect on their final outings, capturing poignant moments that will forever remind them of a different time. These snapshots serve as a collective memory, emphasizing the significance of the everyday experiences we once took for granted.