A year ago this month, the COVID lockdowns set in across America. In those 365ish days, we’ve all felt the effects—physical, mental, financial. And in this second Lent of the pandemic, the days in which a vaccine brings some shad of hope, the coronavirus from Hell continues to work us over.

John Blase, a friend and fellow writer, felt the effects of COVID last week.,He shared the news on Twitter.

My Dad died today. He was the most beautiful man I know. He died in a COVID ICU shut off from those he loved most. It’s not right. It’s just not right. My heart’s all busted up.
— JohnBlase (@johnblase) February 24, 2021

Today, John wrote a poem about his father, who was a preacher by trade. By John’s account, his dad was one of the good ones. John is not the sort to gush on about preachers, so his words are more than poignant. They are a true memorial. I hope you’ll read them.

We’re still in the woods, and stories like this one remind us. As you go about your day today, remember the many like John who’ve felt the sting of this damnable disease. And go easy.