Of course, these conversations take time and energy - something not all of us have at our disposal all the time. They also aren't always successful or productive! It is important for us to listen to our needs and put up boundaries when needed.

However, I do think these conversations about #CovidSafety can help our loved ones change their practices over time. A lot of people have drank the #VaxAndRelax kool-aid, but that doesn't mean they're immovable.

When my mom was here, I think the most impactful conversation we had was when she mentioned how school uniforms help create equality in schools.

My opinions on school uniforms aside, I pointed out that #Ventilation and #UniversalMasking is an issue of creating health equality in schools (and other public spaces). So many families who are doing their best to avoid #COVID19 are forced to send their kids to schools with terrible ventilation, no #HEPA and no mask policies. Their kids are exposed every day. Teachers are exposed as well because they don't have any other choice.

Universal masking and proper ventilation creates a space that is accessible to all of us. Lack of these policies push people out of these spaces, or worse, actively put them at risk of #COVID and #PostCovidComplications because they can't NOT be in these spaces.

This comparison seemed to really help my mom understand the importance of #CovidSafety a bit better.

It gave me some hope.

It shouldn't take a relative suffering in the hospital to finally think about #COVID19 and #PostCovidComplications.

I wish my family would #MaskUp in public.

However, the #VaxxedAndRelaxed propaganda has been VERY effective, and getting through to folks that #CovidIsntACold can take time and many conversations.

I'm hopeful that this means my parents and I can have more conversations on this in the future, and I hope my relative recovers soon.

I haven't seen my family in a year - and truthfully - the last time we had a real visit was summer of 2021.

My parents tell me they miss me - my siblings talk about making plans. I want so badly to be as carefree and unconcerned as they are - but I am too aware of the risks COVID presents to myself and them as well. It is simply not safe for me to travel to see them knowing none of them are taking any precautions.

My sister now has an enlarged heart. She's 35. It was when she received her diagnosis I gingerly explained "this is why I've been so worried about catching covid and why I'm still being so careful."

It was then she finally said she understood (and meant it).

But none of them mask anyways. Even amid family members and friends having #PostCOVIDComplications . Even as my mom STILL talks about how exhausted she is - her energy just hasn't recovered since COVID.