> I feel like Active Record just can't be beat

Please allow me to introduce Sequel (https://sequel.jeremyevans.net/) for your consideration.

There is not, and it pains me to hear people reinforcing that narrative. There are immunocompromised individuals within my family that have significantly higher risks of complications than the next person. For this reason, we take every precaution to avoid exposure and transmission. We have been fortunate to remain COVID-free so far, but please remember that there are lives hanging in the balance.