The coronavirus pandemic has been extremely difficult for all Americans for many reasons. Many have died due to the disease. Others have had friends and relatives pass away. And some have delayed or missed funerals because of social distancing and stay-at-home orders.
Yet another unfortunate consequence of the restrictions is the isolation and loneliness that many have faced.
I’ve recently learned of one such situation relayed to me by a supporter of Focus on the Family. This person’s parents are currently in a nursing home in Pennsylvania, and they just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Tragically, because of the different levels of care they are being provided with and due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, they had to celebrate their anniversary alone and apart from one another. In total, they have been separated for 127 days straight.
Though this couple has reached out to their local politicians and sought legal counsel, they have not been able to come up with a solution.
To add insult to injury, if this couple were to get together, they could be fined $300 per day!
Now, it’s understandable and reasonable to enforce restrictions to prevent spread of the coronavirus and preserve life.
But it’s tragic that these restrictions would be used to keep an elderly couple apart for over four months, including during their anniversary.
Scripture reminds us that God is close to those who are suffering. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:18-19).
Please join me in praying for this couple. Ask God that they may be able to find a creative solution so they can be reunited with each other once again. And please pray for all those who have been afflicted with the coronavirus, and for those suffering from loneliness and isolation during this difficult time.
Photo from Shutterstock
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