April 28th 2021

The WHO describes Coronavirus (COVID-19) as an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

“Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.” -WHO

For many, 2020 is synonymous with COVID 19. Now here we are almost to May 2021, and this disease is still ravaging our world, and for many families, the above description pales in comparison to their devastating realities. I am blogging about this topic today in honor of my father in law Joseph A. Klein and Jay L. Buttafuoco (Uncle Jay). These two men are a couple of COVID’s unfortunate victims. My Uncle Jay has already been ripped from this world far too soon, and now, we stand by helpless as my father-in-law fights for his life. 

I begin with Joe’s story. I hope to raise more awareness, spread love that we all need right now, and provide insight into a real family’s real experience so we can all have a bit more empathy for those affected. Apologies in advance for the emotional rollercoaster reading this may take you on, but thank you for being here with me during this time. 

Back in March my Husband, (Adam) and I set off for a week-long vacation in Florida to enjoy the sun and spend time with his parents, who moved there just 2 years ago. We didn’t have much planned, simply looking to disconnect for a week and unwind. Joe, Adam’s dad, decided to take the week off (his first since moving down). He wanted to be able to spend time with us and disconnect for a well-deserved week with family. 

Being able to spend time with his family and enjoy a few meals and cold brews together was a real blessing, and I have a whole new appreciation for that time today. 

I was able to see their new home for the first time and listen to their future plans. Joe would light up talking about how he wanted to move closer to the beach soon as he works hard toward retirement. His dad was genuinely enjoying his week off, bar hopping a bit on his Harley and meeting us with us a few times. Bragging to the waiter each time about his family. During this trip, I called him dad for the first time. Adam always told me how his dad wanted a daughter, and he always seemed happy to have me in the family. I casually called him dad when we parted one evening, and he went home excited about this new phase of our relationship, sharing with Adam and his wife and mentioning it to me the next day. Can’t lie when I did refer to him in this manner, that was my end goal, and honestly, he has earned that respect from me, so it was natural. I share this to show how emotional Joe is and how important his family unit is to him. It is simply the man he is.

The last Friday of our trip was a bit worrisome for me; call it my woman’s intuition. We met for breakfast at a local place, and Joe wasn’t feeling or looking so well. We attributed this to him just receiving the vaccination and the expected side effects we had heard rumors about. After all, he had worked throughout 2020, wore his mask, and never had any issues. So naturally, with the timing of his vaccine, we simply took it as an after-effect. Adam and I spent our last full day on the beach, watching the peaceful waves roll in, and headed home the next day. 

Something about myself felt off as we arrived home, I felt tightness in my chest, and I immediately knew I had contracted COVID and my thoughts fled to Adam’s dad. I just knew that day at breakfast, he looked sick and more than a side effect. Adam’s mom called the next day to confirm it was COVID. Joe, Adam, and I all had gotten it, and we all had very different experiences. Joe’s painful journey is still a struggle….one that we pray today he can win.

As I said, we all had different experiences; Adam had almost no symptoms, I was extremely ill for a bit over two weeks, and basically migrated from my bed to the sofa and back. My Husband was wonderful at taking care of me, and we were lucky not to both have felt ill. Thanks, babe! 

I was slowly but surely getting better, yet Joe continued to get worse. He was reluctant to seek medical attention at first. Thankfully Matt, Adam’s brother, forced his father to the hospital about six weeks ago. Joe is still there.

His journey has been heartbreaking to witness. COVID isolates a person in their time of most need. Being able to only see his family through facetime. Begging to go home and ultimately facing his biggest fear of needing to be placed on a ventilator. Currently, Joe is on an ECMO machine, the odds aren’t great, but we continue to pray.

Adam’s mom, Cindy, I can’t believe how strong she has been through this all. Waiting by the phone, speaking with medical professionals about her beloved’s situation, having to listen to his tears throughout all while not being able to be by his side. Being an absolute rock for her two boys and Husband. The first time she was able to actually visit and see Joe, he was already on the ventilator. Weeks ago, witnessing them speak about him being home for their anniversary on May 6th seemed like a real possibility; now we know they will spend their 37th anniversary apart. My heart breaks for her.

To my Husband, Cindy, and Matt….. I couldn’t feel more sorry for you all, and I love you guys!

As I blog today, I finally am allowing myself to cry. I have been trying to be strong for Adam and optimistic as I am known to be. I just got off a call with one of my best friends, Lauren, who was more than willing to listen to what I placed in writing so far. She is one of the best people I know to call when you need to ask for feedback. She usually has some, and this time she did not. She simply gave me the confidence to share this story. I love you, Lauren! Thanks for everything always! Right now, we pray for Joe, and I hope you all will too.

 I would like to take a moment to speak about my Uncle Jay, who was lost to Covid on January 24th. I didn’t know him well, but I knew of him that he was a gentle, loving soul again gone too soon. My Uncle was in an accident at 20, which left him mentally disabled. He lived most of his life cared for by his parents Millie and Joe and moved to a nursing home after their passing, where he was a favorite amongst the staff. Despite his disabilities, Jay was still funny, kind, an animal lover, and someone who truly loved his family. 

Jay was a teenager of the 60s and lived it. He lived an entire life by 20, Woodstock, hitchhiked back and forth to Cali 3 times, lit the house on fire, and was known as a true character with a big heart by all. Before his accident, Jay was accepted to Pepperdine University in California, where he dreamed of becoming a vet. Before heading off to California, you could find Jay bringing home all types of sick animals to care for from the clinic, including a lion and a monkey (man… times have changed), with his beloved dog Stash, or just hanging enjoying his family. After his accident, Jay was welcomed home by the entire town. They held a charity car wash for him, and he was even featured in the Wayne Today, “Does Jay Buttafuoco have friends? Yes, he has tons!”  He is now at rest, but his memory lives on.

Millions have contracted COVID 19, thousands continue to fight for their lives. Be there for each other as humans, be grateful for the time you have, live each day to the fullest, spread love, share stories, and keep praying for COVID 19 victims.

With Love

-T