A letter from the future

March 30, 2019

To whom may be reading this,

I am writing this from what seems to be your future. I am writing to you who might be be in areas such as the U.S or in Mexico. This might seem like we are over reacting. We are not. Remember when I said I was out, and time stopped for a second at Orti del Parsano? I didn’t listen to the government. I was supposed to follow guidelines and stay home. We didn’t listen and now our quarantine is extended yet again. March 25th extended to April 3rd and now to April 18th. I was naive and putting not only myself at risk but others around me at risk.

I am writing this from the bottom of my heart. We are truly at war, but this time human kind is on the same side. We are in this war against an invisible enemy. A silent killer that we have no idea when it will attack us or our loved ones or even where it is located. We have to work together and the only way of doing so is putting in our grain of salt. This time no guns, no money or violence is needed; all it takes is being home. Who would of thought that is all we can really do during a war against a silent enemy?

Rather than think we are stuck at home, let’s say have the mindset of “FINALLY! I get to to stay home and enjoy my time off”, because the world is healing itself as well. Our environment is thriving without human kinds daily routines. Staying home isn’t only helping us contribute for this wanted victory, but it is also working towards the healing of the planet we call home. The birds will sing, the rivers will float, the sun will still be out during the day. The moon and the stars will be seen through the heights of the skyscrapers, we will lose a lot of loved ones, but we will gain victory. this will only be achieved if we are all on the same page.

I guess this isn’t just a letter from the future, but a letter for my future self. To remind me to not be so naive and selfish. Italy is 3 weeks ahead of the U.S, Mexico and other places around the world. We didnt listen, we didnt pay attention, we were selfish and our situation worsen. The U.S is 3 weeks behind Italy and they already hold the #1 spot of total cases, followed by Italy, Spain 3rd place and then China. China has slowly been winning this victory as a country.

Let’s follow Chinas discipline during these times, of quaratine and win this war just like they are. Slowly, but steady. Let’s listen to the ones that are in the future. I want to go back, read this letter and remind myself to listen when others warn us. I want to remind myself to follow strict guidelines, so in the future from then I won’t get in trouble to do daily things such as taking walks or taking out my trash. So, in the future I don’t have to be stuck in my home for an indefinitely amount of time.

From the bottom of my heart, from the future. I encourage not only myself, but others reading to listen and follow guidelines. Small sacrifices made for a certain amount of time can save lives. We will get out of this one. We will be able to enjoy the sun, the walks, the moon and the stars without fear of an invisible enemy. We will win this war against this silent killer. Together united through social distancing. We are capable of this and more.

From yours truly,

Joanely Ramos