Nineteen months ago, my life changed forever. It started with seven months of bedrest while pregnant with my twin boys. Six of those months thankfully were spent working from home and the final month was spent at St. Mark’s Hospital on strict bed rest.
My little miracles arrived a little over two months early weighing only 2 pounds and 3 pounds. After a three-month stay in the NICU, we were finally able to bring our little guys home on oxygen and one of them had a feeding tube.
During the first year, we practiced strict social distancing to keep our little ones safe. Every cough or sneeze while in public made me jump, and a wave of fear would engulf me.
About six months ago, we started finally going out and enjoying all that our beautiful town of Park City. We took the boys skiing for their first time, we went to the sabering at The St. Regis with friends, and grabbed dinner out with our near and dear friend group that has stuck by our sides.
Then COVID-19 hit and we reverted back to our old ways, staying inside and avoiding crowds, wiping every surface down, dousing our hands in hand sanitizer, asking that family and friends quarantine before they visited, and when they were finally allowed to visit, we asked that our guests wore masks and left their cellphones in their car. (It’s incredible how dirty cellphones are.)
As the weather begins to turn from the springtime chill to the sunny days of summer, we longed to take our boys and our big hairy golden retriever on walks on the McLeod Creek Trail that sits right next to our home.
After months indoors, we finally have broken down and are now walking our favorite trail again on a daily basis. While I’m overjoyed to be outside, I’ve been frustrated and disheartened by the fact so many people are choosing not to wear a mask. I know it presents a challenge while biking, running and walking, but by simply wearing a mask as you pass others, it keeps others safe. Even if you feel you can’t be burdened to wear a mask for yourself, please remember you have neighbors that have fought long and hard to be here and would really appreciate it, if you would please be respectful and caring and wear a mask.
Tiffany Marshall, Park City