Residents were asked to “tell a story about how the coronavirus has impacted your life.” Explore 50 responses below, selected at random. Which responses capture your attention? (Some responses were transcribed by youth volunteers.) To learn more about the storyteller and how they interpreted their response, click “Zoom In.”
Housing Assistance
Hello there. I am a recently divorced Mother of three beautiful Daughters. I have been a long time business owner in the county of Palm Beach. I am at my wits end. Due to COVID19 The Beauty Lounge thats my business is inside of was temporarily closed. That was my only income. I do not receive child support or any other help financially. Furthermore, As of this evening I have not received my stimulus check, have not received any type of Covid unemployment although applying numerous times. Although my business is allowed to re-open this week I am an…
Gail’s Story
the coronavirus has impacted my life because I can hardly work on one of my jobs. Sometimes I my go to peoples houses, sometimes I may go to the nursing homes, and sometimes might go to peoples houses. So, It was too much of a risk for me to hold onto that job for now because I have to be home with my grandchildren that I am taking care of right now, and as y’all know there is no school. So, I have to stay home with my grand kids most of the time. Sometimes I go to my…
#9 SHE DOESN’T sOCIALIZE
Juanita Marshall grew up in Delray Beach and moved to Boynton Beach appx. 5 years ago. She appears to have missed her belated Mother enormously. She has two sons that live with her . One son,Chris has been diagnosed with a mental health diagnosis. He oldest son, Todd ,has gotten a full-time with WM after he worked faithfully for years at a temp agency. This has helped lessen the families financial burdens. It was years ago, that we assisted this family with furnishings,towels and bed sheets after they were infested with bedbugs. The bedbugs started as, Chris,the younger son,…
#74
I am a working man .This virus and the neglect that proceeded it is not right. This has cost everyone living in America. I value every word repeated by the government. I adhere to the stay at home laws.America has rose to this terrible virus. It is deadly!
Working from Home
I am a first year Elementary Education major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and when the Coronavirus was first talked about we (the students) thought nothing of it. Then the week before spring break, the universitys president announced that students were supposed to stay home until April 5th to ensure no one would bring the Coronavirus to the Campus. Within the second week of staying home he announced that students could no longer come back in Campus unless it was to move out of their dorms. So, now it has been almost two months since I have been self…
Corona cancel school
The corona virus has taken my kids out of school, they are having a hard time adjusting to the virtual school learning, I am working so I am away from them
# 32 Mrs Moody Is 90 Years Young
Ms Moody id suffering with the onset of a cognitive impairment. She lives alone. And solely depends on the neighborhood and her church to get by. Ms Moody is 90 years young. She loves asisiting with Senior and Church gatherings.You can see her riding around her community on her scoote dsily as well as going to the local store.The pandemic she says stays its distance from her.Please assist this 90 year old jewel with Electric and Water.
The virus
Coronavirus an impact in my life amazingly yes cause a big outbreak on the world and causes everything on furloughs for about two months as things dont open up quarantine I have been taking place in my community and which have been lied to but still maintain there is a large number of cases in my small community of matsuri Belglade Florida I believe that we should I come to get as a community to take some over to come up with better ideas of quarantining because obviously is not happening I truly believe that we have to take this…
EJSJB2020 (Story #NA)
The Year 2020 has been a roller coaster for me, due to COVID-19 I lost my job and it started to get hard for me to provide for myself or my family, on top of that my mother tested positive for Covid, I spent most of my time taking care of her and making sure she gets better. Even though the majority of the year wasnt the best, I remained positive and still found a way to keep a smiled on my face, and thats by surrounding myself with family and friends and always trying to turn this bad situation…
High school
How this corona virus impacted my life it impacted my life cause it stoped the education that I needed I would never feel to see how it feel to walk on a high school graduation stage I would never even feel successful about high school because the virus took Track & field away from me
Home alone
My grandson is unable to attend public school. This is placing alot of stress on him. He is an only child and have very few opportunities to be with other kids his age. This is not natural for a child his age.
Gone too soon….
I am use to staying home, even during weekends (prior to covid 19). The quarantine part was not that difficult to adhere to. I know for a fact what has impacted me emotionally and psychologically the most…the social distancing, not able to go to church, visit family in New York, but most of all is hearing of close relatives and friends in New York City/New Jersey whom have lost a loved one. I have a very close friend who lost her husband and younger brother all in a month. It is just all too surreal… the massive amounts of lives…
1 (Story #879)
It has impacted me in ways of not able to work, due to no school so therefore no one to keep my son while i work.
God’s got my family back
Me,my mother, and brother been out of work for 4 weeks now. I am part timer so I don’t get any PTO. So we have been about how we’re going to pay our bills.
Adjusting
My brief input about the pandemic is that it has affected me in some way such as not being able to attend my church on Sundays. Not being able to hug my loved ones like I’m used to. Most importantly learning how to adjust to the current normalcy.
Recovery (Story #654)
I truly believe that the government has a curve in a faster way of quarantining but they just want to tell us macaroni to be in my city is so small I think that this outbreak is causing a big impact in my community and we has worn out we are really not quarantining right way and people are losing their jobs money being lost and people are praying on the government stimulus chats I feel as if we need to come together as a community to talk over things and try to have a better way of quarantining because…
10 (Story #40)
This virus has put me in a situation where I have to think about how Im going to pay my bills my hours at work have been cut and I have kids to take care of but with this Coronavirus our here is putting stress on me a Im beginning to become depressed . I have to stretch my money so my kids can have a meal and supplies in the house
# 13 Her Frony Needs A Make-Over It is dangerous to walk over!
Mrs Dowdell just celebrated her 86 birthday on May 19th. She was elated to have a parade of phone calls from her Church in honor of her birthday! Mrs Carmetta lives alone and has for over 20 years. Long ago,she buried her husband and son.She has a niece who lives in Virginia that she can go live with at any time but shy away. Her niece earnestly adores her Aunt. Mrs Dowdell contributed to her receiving a Law Degree. Every August,she travels to Canada to visit her two sisters (78 yrs & 77 yrs), brother(85 yrs) and Grandson. But…
Ms. Naica Stories
Because of the coronavirus I have to work from home. One of my best friends dad got the virus and its kinda scary to know that someone that I know got the disease.
A complaint about the condition of the world as a hold
The corona virus impacted my life in many ways:1. My job, I am unable to work at all2. I am unable to shop, because I am 80 Years old3. Some of my family members have been infected4. It has been difficult to communicate with friends or loved ones because we are unable to visit each other5. I miss dining out in restaurants very very much
A Hard 2020!
The lack of family interaction has been a major impact in my life. I have a 3 year old grandson and my stepdaughter is due with another grandson in July. For risk of infection, we can only facetime or talk through the windows. I also have a daughter who is graduating May 2nd from FSU, who had her heart set on walking across the stage, ut can’t.
My testimony
well I really dont know where to start. In March I was laid off do to corona… totally devastated. My son and I were in a world of trouble. In May I found out had cancerous cells on my cervix, also had a special procedure to stop the growth (painful), also in May I suffered 2nd degree burns in my back. In June I suffered a stroke,and it affected my right side slightly. Neurologist suggested I shouldnt drive until further notice. While in the pandemic and me being in the hospital, my son who suffers from mental illness, attempted…
#covidstory
My grandfather had a stroke and was in the hospital for 15 days, only my grandmother could visit because of covid restrictions. I have three younger sisters, all who do online school, while my grandmother was visiting my grandfather during the day, I had to watch my sisters. It was an extremely stressful time and he still isnt 100% recovered.
#who cares
First of all its frustrating being afraid to go outside. People are still not wearing masks. I try my best to make it back before 11:30 ,but I cant do that with all this black lives matter stuff. People just dont care anymore.
The days that have shaken my life
The greatest impact is that it has kept my family away. I can’t see my grandchildren or hug them and that is the biggest disappointment ever. I have had several great friends pass away and I have underlined health issues so I can’t attend church or go to any funeral services. I really don’t want to go out or interact with other people. I already have breathing issues, so coronavirus would not be good for me. A lot of the essential things I need from the grocery stores are out. My friends can’t get them either. Such as Clorox,…
#21 She called Me Today
Mrs Erma Christie,89. called me today. She called to let me know that things just have not changed for her. Mrs Christie say that she was out on Friday> This was a visit to an orthopedic surgeon for an opinion on hip surgery. She has agreed to have this surgery. I spoke with her on her resilience and determination to conquer anything adverse situation. Mrs Christie comes from Jamaica and is very rooted in her culture. She and her daughter,Yvonne Jack, have lived together for many years. Ms Jack recently retired from Morse Life. She is currently working a part-time…
# 26 She IS A GEORGIA GIRL
Vera Jenkins had an emergency procedure on May 29th .It involved her intestines being wrapped around her stomach. She is currently living with her Granddaughter, Tamika Hadley, who is providing care for her. She has lost her husband and 2 adult children within a five year span.Mrs Jenkins has triumphed over those tragedies stronly holding on to God’s hand.She has a 2 year old Great-Grand,Imani, Whom she calls her own. Arriving in Boynton Beach,, Mrs Vera has lived here since the 1960’s. Mrs Vera married a brother as well as her sister I enjoy her her oul dish of…
New Normal
The corona virus has caused me to work from home utilizing technology to work and interact with people. Although it’s been nice to be able to work from home, I realize that I am not prepared for a crisis of this magnitude and I am a single person. I went from eating out to buying groceries and eating from home. Being from Florida, you are accustomed to preparing for hurricanes but this takes it to another level. Living in western palm beach county, I am concerned that our communities are not prepared for a health crisis…
#10
In my 83 year of living, I have never known so many people that I have a connection with dying from this virus. Ii appears that the government knew of this pandemic way before now. The whole country should have been shut-down months ago. I am unable to get around like I once did, My wife and I are miserable with the company we use to receive on a daily basis. She is one of the best cooks around. So we always had folks stopping in on us. I miss that! However, if we must go out we do…
I am going through, moving forward, and discovery new activities.
I have not been able to participate in several of my favorite activities, swimming, Zumba Yoga and walking in the park. But I am encouraged , I read more, clean out my closets, (I am gathering things that I don’t need or want, and I am looking forward to getting them out of my space.) I am journaling, and I crotchet and I reach out to family and friends and friends who are family more frequently. (I text, call and/or email.) I spend quality listening to music.
Uma loose my house an kids are going to b homeless
I have lost my job. My bill are so behind.
Oh well
Im happy this virus happened lol Im sorry about the fatalities but I didnt want to be at school and I dont really hang around with my teammates, t the virus is the last thing were worried about now as we can see
Story #630
The coronavirus has impacted my life in many ways. It has taken the life of my loved ones in Switzerland, Italy and England. Due to the distance between my family members, it made it even harder to support each other during this time.At the same time, my family in Florida have been in the midst of moving during this pandemic, which affected my classwork and mental health.
Seperated
My oldest son splits time between our house and his moms. He is at his moms and I go down to visit him once a week. We take a social distance walk around his neighborhood. We miss him and it’s hard not having him here some of the time.
#13
I am 90 years old and continue to wonder why am I still here. In the 1920’s,there were alot of plagues due to a host of diseases that endangered Americans health. I remember my parents speaking of the dangerous health concerns and most of the health concerns would keep one in isolation for months. This so remind me on the Coronavirus, My Community immediately took concern and care over the impact that this would have on us. The clubhouse, pool and all activities were closed. I have the best neighbor in the community,she makes sure that i have all that…
What love Is?
The coronavirus has made me appreciate how valuable life is. Never before this generation experience a global pandemic of this magnitude. We can’t take for granted the seriousness of is situation we are in. To see health workers risk their lives to save others is truly a real expression of love. It must affect them emotionally, pysocologically as well as the fear,concern and anxiety it causes their family. The story of the Doctor facing a custody battle to keep her child in her life is heartbreaking. Yet she is willing to still put forth the effort to help others.
#67
I am petrified and overwhelmed about what we have gotten ourselves into. I am a Bahamian and I have been in Boynton Beach for over 50 years. This, I cannot ,fathom. I came here for the best of everything, I do not enjoy cooking, the virus has made eating out a thing of the past. the government should not be opening up pblic gathering spots sos soon at least until most have been tested.
# Renee’s Quarantine Chronicles
It has really impacted my life because not only am I a full-time high school teacher, I’m a mom of 2. Since being home all day and working full time, I have also become my son’s 8th grade teacher, my 3-year old’s preschool teacher, the cafeteria lady, the guidance counselor, and the janitor. These are all things I do regularly, but it wasn’t ALL day 24/7. It has made me worry about myself or anyone in my family catching the Corona Virus and how devastated I would be if that happened. However, On a positive note, it has allowed…
Gloves
Covid 19 changed the way people walk around. On my way to florida, we had to wear a mask all from North Carolina.
#22 SHE IS PETRIFIED
Mrs Lovenia Bea McCray has been living and caring for her Father, Elmore,96. as if he and she are husband and wife. There are times she says that he needs chastising. His panic attacks are severe until she walks in the door from out doing chores…five minutes later he is on the phone laughing and joking to the best of his abilities. Mrs Bea was scheduled to take a trip to Jonesboro,Ga to celebrate the High School graduation of her granddaughter the end of June from Elite Scholars Academy. Her granddaughter,Tamara,attends the #1 ranked High School in Clayton County. Tamara…
Appreciate what you have.
The corona virus has pushed me to be more open minded about other people’s situations. Often times we go through life not taking in the perspectives of other people’s lives. So hearing what other people are going through has made me appreciate the things I have in my life . I have learned to not take the small things for granted and be mindful that what I might find as an inconvenience for me may be a blessing for someone else.On one of my virtual staff meetings I heard that people were having difficulty in household in pbc with…
# 36 She Doesn’t hink the Virus Will Ever Go Away
Carol Woodside is an 82 years young native of Kentucky. She has lived in Boynton Beach for over 20 years.Ms Carol has trouble with the use of her legs. So her,mobility, is or can be an issue. ms Woodside continuously has Doctor’s visit to find the cause of her leg issues.She lives alone and never gives up on her just cause.She doesn’t think the virus will ever go away< And she has nw figured out that when she needs to go somewhere she has to go. Ms Woodside has no living relatives in the area.Ms Carol had an issue…
The Unexpected
The corona virus has impacted my life because my daughter isnt able to go to school but my job is still open because I work in the medical field. Therefore I have to find someone to watch her while Im at work. I am also not sure how long my job will be open or if I will get paid.
Concern about the corona virus crisis
This crisis make us scare everyone. We are unable to hug friend and family. This crisis turn the world upside down no one knows when it’s going over
# 17 A combined imcome of $8556.00
Mrs Wilkins was very disappointed to learn that she and her husband would not be getting a stimulus check. It can be hard to make ends meet for them. The Wilkins make a combined yearly income of $8556.00. They manage with the assistance of their Son(who resides in Atlanta,Ga)
Worse
The virus got me away from my job and school which are the only things that keeps me sane. I am very disappointed that the states are opening back up because it will only make things much more worse
#18 The Great Unknown
Her favorite cousin’s husband transitioned at a Nursing Home in Chicago,ILL from the Corona Virus.The impact right now is extremely overwhelming for her. She is unable to see her 11 yr old and 13 yr old Grands. Her Son,who is unemployed, due to the Virus, Because,he is employed as an entertainer.This virus,she says, has changed her entire life! she is so baffled. This has so swiftly taken over our lives, It.s like a World War …The Great Unknown! So,she continues her gardening to attract the most beautiful Florida butterflies including my favorite,The Monarch. This is a hobby that…
Living life
I am enjoying social distancing catching up on life
No Schooling
Now I focus only football, cause i dont have any classes. If there wasnt Covid, Ill prolly be in summer school right.
Grandchildren education
My grandchildren are now taking online classes but my daughter is an essential worker shes a care giver and while shes working i have my grandchildren the education online is not really hands on so i dont think its really benefiting my grandchildren
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