by Assunta Ng
Northwest Asia Weekly
Social distancing posters on the floor of Uwashimaya in 2020 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
Did you know that March 2022 is a milestone for us Washingtonians? If you’re reading this, you may recall that you’ve escaped the most horrific pandemic that killed 12,497 Washingtonians, more than 790,00 in the United States, and more than 6 million worldwide.
Congratulations, you are still alive.
Wooden buildings in Japan Town, June 2020 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
If you contract Covid-19 and recover, you are one of 1.45 million of the 7.76 million Washingtonians who were infected. That means one in five people in our state has tested positive. The Washington Post reported that 52 percent of Americans have contracted the coronavirus.
Washington State’s first BLM protest in Chinatown on May 29, 2020 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
Here’s more reason to celebrate and feel lucky. We sympathize with the struggles and adversity you are going through. You may have had one of the worst nightmares of your life. Please don’t take it lightly. Defeating Covid is monumental.
Owner Sam Ung orders takeaway at a Phnom Penh restaurant during the 2020 lockdown (Photo by Assunta Ng)
March 2020 is one of the most challenging and uncertain times of the 21st century. A Pandemic Strikes – Governor. Jay Inslee Ordered Shelter-In-Place March 23, 2020 – The world grinds to a halt, people die, lives shatter, job losses, businesses close…and you survived!
Anti-Asian hate protest organized by children in Xinghai Park in 2021 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
In March 2022, two years from now, what a contrast! A new world has reopened — Covid-19 deaths and cases are down, vaccines are plentiful, mask requirements lifted, schools reopen, airlines and hotels are full, concerts and shows begin, restaurants are bustling…
Attendants at the Westin Seattle applaud the Rotary Club of Seattle at their first in-person meeting in July 2021, after the club thanked them. (Photo by Assunta Ng)
You and I have both been through pain, pain and misery over the past two years. You may not want to celebrate, but you should. Life is short, fragile and precious. You have only one life to live. Please don’t take your life for granted. Please don’t take the people who saved you for granted. Had it not been for our frontline workers – nurses, doctors and medical staff – the number of deaths and tragedies would have been much higher.
Signs for SeaTac Airport 2021 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
What we have done is significant and wonderful, fighting insanity to stay strong and the negative impact of Covid during this horrific ordeal. After months of isolation, we survived and developed resilience and patience. We hate many health guidelines, like wearing masks and social distancing, but we follow them. The number of sacrifices is too great to count or remember. But we got through. Over 700 days, the number of painful changes you and I have implemented in our daily lives can be overwhelming. It’s amazing how many habits I’ve saved that have changed my life.
Free vaccinations at Hing Hay Park in 2021 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
Celebrate that your loved ones are still with you and that you are reunited with them. Instead of being confined to our homes, we are now free to go out of our homes.
Celebrating that we have Covid under control because of vaccines.
The Seattle Symphony welcomed a huge crowd at Celebrate Asia on March 20 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, few thought it would last more than two years. But we’ve fixed it and it’s not that scary anymore. We are not locked down and we can live as normal as possible. My prayers have finally been answered and hope is coming. In my gut, I was like, “The worst is probably over, we’re almost there.”
The Great Wheel in Seattle displays the colors of the Ukrainian flag (photo by Assunta Ng)
As if the pandemic wasn’t complicated and heavy enough, we have had an unusual but exciting election in 2020 and a rebellion in 2021, even as the insurgents want to overturn the election. Let’s celebrate.
The Seattle Symphony Orchestra shows support for Ukraine with blue and yellow neon signs at its concert on March 17, 2022 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
Just as we thought we might get back to normal in 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, and President Joe Biden’s leadership in uniting 27 European nations to sanction Russia and support Ukraine is no small feat. I celebrate America’s ability to isolate the evil empire of Russia; and our humanitarianism and solidarity, in addition to our talents and advice, to support Ukrainians by providing them with money, food, medical supplies, and military equipment. While witnessing Russia destroying lives and cities in Ukraine is unbearable, I am grateful for Biden’s insistence that he will not send troops there. War should not be part of the plan. We are lucky that our land is protected.
Facebook posts in support of Cuiyuan Restaurant, which was a target of vandalism
Rotary of Seattle is giving out colorful wristbands after restaurants reopen in 2021. Green means “hug me,” yellow means elbow hugs only, and red means 6 feet apart. (Photo by Assunta Ng)
No one knew that the past 24 months would be extraordinary, unpredictable and heart-wrenching, especially with a huge loss of human life. Everyone has a Covid story to share. Mine may be different, and not that different. But one lesson I’ve learned is that after a pandemic, I’ll never be the same person. What was important then, is not so important now. It used to look good, but it doesn’t look good now. The things that made me happy in the past have no effect on me. The Covid journey is profound. We never know if today is our last day. So don’t waste time on the little things. Wake up every morning with love, joy, gratitude and laughter every day.
2020 Yard Sign Protesting Donald Trump’s Hate Speech (Photo by Assunta Ng)
I knew these qualities before Covid. The only difference is that I really embrace these gifts of life through constant practice.
Assunta can reach assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
