'Devastation is unreal': What life is like when a loved one dies of COVID and some still doubt

Julie Wallace and her daughter Mallory Dunlap are taking medication for anxiety and depression, and they don’t care who knows. Their grief is a testimony to Lewis Dunlap, to their love for him. It also telegraphs to the world what happens to a family when you lose someone to COVID-19.

Julie has encouraged their other daughter, 10-year-old Camille, to write down some stories about her father. “So you won’t forget him,” Julie said.

Camille has steadfastly refused. “I will never forget a minute of my life with my best friend,” she told her mother recently. Julie had to walk away so she could cry.

Camille does call Mallory regularly, via FaceTime. They talk, as only sisters can.