COVID-19 has taken a lot from me. It took my birthday celebrations, my trip to Washington DC to see RBG, my trip to Austin, Thanksgiving, the anniversary of my grandfather's death, my vacation to Disneyworld, Easter egg hunts, seeing my @DUIDLA friends, and three months' income.

It's now going to take Christmas and all the family events I do at that time of year. It's going to take my big Christmas surprise for my family and seeing my Grandma and my favourite party of the year.

And it's taken a lot of my health, with frequent fevers, headaches, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, a facial rash, and a dip in my motivation.

If we don't all get together, put on our masks, decrease our contacts, and follow not just the rules but also the recommendations, it's just going to keep taking. It's going to take our daily joys, our plans, our hopes, and our loved ones.

I know it sucks. I know it's depressing and hard and lonely. Trust me. But if you won't do it for yourself, will you do it for me?