This interview was captured five days before tornadoes impacted the state.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Kentucky December 13, 2020.

Gov. Andy Beshear along with first lady Britainy, reflected back on the 21 months that have passed since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Kentucky.

Gov. Beshear said Dec. 13, 2020 was an incredible day. He spoke on the number of people vaccinated in Kentucky and the effort it took to set up an infrastructure for vaccine clinics. 

The couple also answered questions from the time the first known case of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. Gov. Beshear said there were some really good moments and then there were some tough moments, but they remained resilient.

Britainy touched on questions posed by their children, “I think like every other child out there a lot of questions about what is this mean? And we've had our scares for sure when we were in quarantine, and they asked the question, ‘what happens if you die?’ and those are big questions for children to have to worry about.”

Gov. Beshear and Britainy reflected back on the early months of the pandemic in part 2 of the interview. 

“When COVID first hit the first set of projections told me I was going to be the governor that lost 80,000 Kentuckians and was scary virus, not having any testing at the time for thinking that it would take years for a vaccine,” Beshear said.

He spoke on many sleepless nights but also having Britainy alongside him for support. Despite the weight of the pandemic for her husband, Britainy said she was able to offer a lending ear to talk about something other than COVID-19 if need be or to sympathize when needed.

The pandemic has also impacted their two children Will and Lila, who’ve had to endure challenges that came their way but the first couple says it’s built their resilience.

Britainy said both children became stronger with empathy and sympathy in regards with the community, often seeking to lend a hand to help. The children also adjusted more family with activities that remained on pause in the last year.

Beshear spoke on prioritizing vaccines for educators and his children thriving in school full time.

He said he’s grateful for moments with his family and extended family.