A ribbon for a life.
An artist’s memorial has more than 60,000 ribbons, each representing a life lost to COVID-19.
Local photographer Cathy Tobias — with the help of friends and family — worked in 2020 and 2021 to memorialize each Florida loss with a colored ribbon tied to a cord so long that it could stretch several times across a football field.
Some ribbons are marked with names and others with photographs. Reflected in each ribbon is a human life, not a number.
“I began working on it in November of 2020. I just wanted to do something because every day I was watching the death toll tick up. I found it very painful. I still do,” Tobias told The Islander Nov. 22.
The installation was displayed on the beach in Anna Maria in February. Since its introduction, Tobias has taken the memorial to other locations, including St. Petersburg’s Morean Center for Clay. She hopes to eventually find a permanent home for the project, possibly in Jacksonville.
“There’s probably 10 people grieving for each death. That’s at least 8 million people grieving,” she said, referring to the national impact of the coronavirus. “I lost my first child many years ago. I know the pain of losing a loved one. When I see these numbers, I can’t imagine the collective grief in our country.”
Most ribbons represent Florida cases, but Tobias doesn’t turn away submissions from out of state.
Bridging the chasm between mourning and celebrating lives, Tobias said she wants visitors to see the memorial as an expression not just of sadness but of the beauty of life.
“I want it to be a positive thing. A celebration of life. The ribbons are colorful. They’re beautiful, blowing in the wind. We’re celebrating lives lived,” she said.
Tobias’ moved since she began the memorial to Longboat Key, where she displays the ribbon, and people can contact her about a visit through her website, covidribbonmemorial.com.
Also, there is a submission area on the website for people who wish to honor a loved one to submit a name and photo to be added to a ribbon.
“I’d invite people to visit the memorial or add a name with a laminated photo. This is for them. You’re not alone. We’re here to support you, grieve with you and celebrate life with you. I hope this can be part of the healing process,” Tobias said.