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The Sacrifice...

4/30/2020

Shan Cathey

Photographer & occasional Blogger

Click the link to see our press coverage on this blog: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/05/05/pearland-photographer-shares-commitment-and-pain-of-healthcare-workers-battling-covid-19/

As Texas and other states slowly reopen, we must not forget the lives lost, and the sacrifices made by medical workers around the world as society stood on the sidelines peering through the eyes of media. The world has witnessed the unwavering commitment of medical teams as they respond to the front lines and save lives. They have unquestionably braved the call of duty sacrificing their lives, livelihood, and families as we cover for shelter. Our nurses, doctors, and essential workers alike, are indeed our modern-day heroes. As days turned into weeks, weeks into months, our heroes continue to leave their homes and fight face-to-face with an invisible enemy known as the novel virus, COVID-19. The medical community fights relentlessly, not for themselves but for humanity, furthermore, as they fight for us, indebted- we must now fight for them.

It is our responsibility, as a society, to adhere to precautionary measures so we may continue to the slow the spread of the virus. On the contrary, while we can’t wait to spread our wings and go back to our daily routines, the reality is, that the coronavirus still poses a real threat. As much as we would love to close our eyes and wish this virus away, unfortunately, social distancing and wearing a mask is now a part of our daily routine.

This pandemic has left no stone unturned as we have likely all been impacted. Therefore, as we slowly pick up the pieces to rebuild, may we never forget the agony, anxiety and desperation some have felt during this time. After all, the last thing we need is to worsen the impact COVID-19 is having on society.

As we find our new sense of normalcy, we must remember those we call heroes are still human. Be as it might, though valiant in heart, they are physically depleted and mentally exhausted. Our healthcare workers need time to heal as they continue to experience the unimaginable, some having held the hands of strangers as they draw their last breath. Sadly, COVID-19 has temporarily made this their new normal.

In the past month or so, I've seen the growing popularity of #frontporchphotography shot by photographers for families posed on their front porch. Inspired, I chose to shine light on our essential workers and their families.

As a photographer I always knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I chose to photograph health care workers to show my gratitude to the people sacrificing for us. I wanted to encourage others to #wearthemask by showing just how much health care workers have sacrificed for our well-being. Try as we might to adjust to a new way of being, I am aware of the reluctance some may have in accepting our new reality. In acknowledgment of the latter, I felt compelled to illustrate through photography, ways we can be more cognizant and empathetic to those on the front lines. #Wearthemask is so much more than being able to survive and recover from COVID-19, but more so, about protecting healthcare workers and those vulnerable to the virus.

In short, as stay-at-home orders are lifted and we race to resume our lives, remember to #wearthemask. Yes, as uncomfortable as it may be, this is not just for you as an individual, but for the ones we claim to care for the most. Playing our small part will slow the spread of COVID-19. Join me in spreading the word by using the hashtag #wearthemask.