Today's episode of The Daily reminds us that every loss to #COVID19 is much more than just a name or number—there are stories behind each name of those we've lost.

This episode shares the story of two immigrant brothers— Javier & Martin Morales — through the eyes of two nieces. https://twitter.com/mikiebarb/status/1265290549407473666

Javier Morales came to this country as a farmworker working the fields of California, grew to love America, believed in the American dream, and was his nieces' biggest fan.

While studying to become a citizen, his niece Melanie helped him prepare & memorize names of presidents —

And once he became a citizen, he made his nieces feel safer: "knowing we had an uncle who was a citizen — simple little things, like hopping into his car & him driving, & knowing he had a license — meant the world to us, just b/c of how on edge you are as an undocumented person."

Our nation's healthcare system failed Javier & Martin — as it is failing far too many black and brown families, who disproportionately bear the brunt of this epidemic.

No one should feel, as Martin felt, that riding out the virus at home is their only option. We must do better.

But if there is some hope in this story, it's that their nieces, who Javier championed & encouraged to chase dreams — well, they're doing just that!

Melanie & Sheila—your uncle is proud of you, me & so many who listened are proud of you—& our country is better *because* of you!