The Beast: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)  aka COV-19 or COVID-19

December 31, 2019

“The Beast” first reared its ugly head in an official appearance on December 31, 2019.  As the world prepared to usher in a new decade, the China office of the World Health Organization (WHO) got word of a new virus causing cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Province of China. From New Year’s Eve to January 12th, the number grew to 44 cases.  By January 20th,  there were 282 confirmed cases in four different countries.  Six people had died.  Ten days later, on January 30th, it was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.'

Dr. Anthony Stephen Fauci, American Physician and Immunologist

NIAID Director since 1984

(National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) 

Born December 24, 1940

Regarded as the USA’s leading expert of COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci eludes a trustworthy and calming aura like your most favorite professor or best-loved uncle.  His friendly image on the TV screen each day gives one the feeling that he is going to be straight-forward with you and will give you the utter and unblemished truth with no-sugar-coating but no super-hype hysteria either.  He is the kind of doctor you would want for your family if you had to hear bad news.             

Looked upon as one of the virus’s leading “gurus” in the world, Dr. Fauci has been advising the mass population on details of the pandemic from its inception.  While little is known about the virus or its long term effects on its survivors, Dr. Fauci constantly repeats the litany of things we can do to avoid getting the virus: wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face, avoid contact with others, wear a mask when out in public, always maintain social distancing, but shelter at home whenever possible.

Josh Groban (Joshua Winslow Groban)

American Singer, Songwriter & Producer

An Inspiration and a Great Comfort to ALL especially during these hard days

Born February 27, 1981 

Josh Groban is perhaps one of the greatest easy listening artists of our times. His songs are nearly guaranteed to melt your heart and to reduce you to tears (if not sobs) before the song is over.  

What better way to see our loved sparks?

Grab some tissues and let it happen!

Born  March 17, 1955 in Blue Island, IL     (age 65)

Co-founder of Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago, Gary has been both winner and nominee of many professional acting awards.  One of his most notable roles was Lt. Dan in the Academy Award-winning film, Forrest Gump.  He is also endured for portraying Detective Mac Taylor on CSI: NY.

His personal mission of helping whenever he could in assisting the USA’s military, veterans and 9/11 first responder families garnered him Capitol recognition.  In 2008, Gary humbly received the Presidential Citizen Medal which is the second highest  civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in the service of the nation.  He is one of 110 people in history to receive that honor.  

It soon became apparent that COVID-19 was one of the biggest and most serious battles that the USA had ever encountered.  Deaths from the novel coronavirus rapidly exceed those of the casualties of three different wars combined!  His foundation www.garysinisefoundation.org  was quick to respond.

Virginia M. Mallory, Real Estate Broker & Friend of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Mother, My Grandmother and Great-grandmother, 

Born December 1,1929    Chicago,IL      NOT a Victim of COVID-19

Died February 14, 2020  (Valentine’s Day 2020)

Grandma Gina (or “Glamma Gina”as the little ones nicknamed her) was the most outstanding example of true faith that I personally have ever encountered.  She often mesmerized us with countless stories of the many miracles in her life and in our family, so many that she deserves an entire book dedicated to her alone (coming soon)! 

Anyone who knew her commented on her dedicated and romantic love affair with my grandfather, Melvin A. Mallory.  In the 14 magical days that we  got to spend with her as she lay on her deathbed, she repeated many of many of her stories from her 90 wonderful years here on earth!  She taught us lessons of life and said endless prayers, in fact, she prayed continually.   

Joe Logan Diffie

American Country Music Legend

Born  December 28, 1958 in Tulsa, OK 

Died March 29, 2020

Grammy Award winning singer and song-writer, Joe Diffie knew his spark from early on.  Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1958, his momma and daddy said that he could sing in harmony at age 3!  

His first musical performance was at age 14, yet he never really quit his day job until much later.  He worked in the oil fields, drove a cement truck and slaved in a foundry, all while working as a musician in his spare time.  

Chef Floyd Cardoz, Chef and Restaurateur

Born October 6, 1960 in Mumbai, India 

Died March 25, 2020 in Montclair, New Jersey U.S. 

World renowned Chef Floyd Cardoz, 59 year old Culinary Director of Hunger, Inc. shocked the world by his quick death to COVID-19.  The highly acclaimed fusionist who owned and operated establishments  in New York and Bombay, returned to the U.S. from Mumbai on March 8th. He flew into the U.S. via Frankfurt.  He had been filming an upcoming Netflix series for “Ugly Delicious” in India.   On March 17th, he was admitted to the hospital saying that he was “feeling feverish.”   Eight days later, he died from complications from the Novel Coronavirus.