This breaks my heart:

[tblue37]

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As you think about a hopefully more normal summer and school year next fall, please try and be mindful of the growing number of Covid orphans. A new model estimates nearly 40,000 children have lost a parent to this disease. Hug them tight, and #BeKind

[blm]

1. 😢

[Ilsa]

2. Locally, we had a high schooler lose both parents,

who were in their mid forties, IIRC. Fortunately, an uncle lived nearby, and took them in.

[sheshe2]

3. tears.

[VarryOn]

4. No child should ever have to face losing his/her parents...

But, obviously it happens. Hopefully, the vast, vast majority have families that step up. I also hope there're govt programs to assist.

[speaknow]

5. This is for MD Sinjay, Yes it is sad

when a child lost a parent because of Covid-19,
but what about a child loosing a parent for some
other reason is it any different? Nothing will be
the same for that child. How do I know, I was
a child that lost my Mom at a young age and it
wasn't from Covid No matter what the cause, the
seat at the table is empty! And as the seat is
empty so is the childs heart!

[William Gustafson]

6. We should also be mindful for the spouse that is left behind to care for these children....

and maintain the household, sometimes with very little income. Both the child and spouse will suffer greatly at the loss. I lost my wife on Valentines day this year, and I know the feeling of being "Lost" on days.... Not knowing what the future holds and what direction to go can make it difficult to function at times.... Time heals all pains is the only way to get through this.... that, and good friends.

[cinematicdiversions]

8. Hugs to you

Lost my spouse on Feb 18th (Ovarian cancer, not Covid). They say every day gets a little better. ANd while I am not finding that to be completely true, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.... even though I am not sure where I am going.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. Twitter replies:

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[BobTheSubgenius]

9. This is just awful, and much of this horror avoidable.

Somehow, this 40,000 hit me harder than the 500,000+