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.”
Unexpected
It Has Caused Me Not To Be Able To Work && Not Get Paid
Got me a job
The virus has impacted me in a good way sort of . I have found a job at a warehouse due to the need for workers and is waiting on a stimulus check.
Corona (Story #910)
Hello my name is Michelle Rhoden since Corona had came along I had been forced to leave my job to watch my grand baby my husband work all day and he manage to pay all bills for the house due to me having no income coming in I have a hard time paying for things that we need for the house baby clothes and diapers. I would love to be able to help my husband out for our household I have no help from my daughter whats so ever.
The Least of These From the Fields to Detention Centers
So many of us are utterly consumed with fear and our personal prospects for escaping the contagion of the Corona virus. As we stoke our own anxieties, while we shelter in place, there is precious little else to occupy our thoughts except when this will all be over, and when can we return to some sense of normalcy. It’s human nature I suppose, but these musings will make the leap from self absorption to people in our society who are strangers in more ways than one to us. They live and work among us. Many are integral to our survival;…
Essential work
I work at the bank and due to the virus i have to be very careful with handling money. Germs spread fast through money and I wouldnt want to take anything back to my home.
Our COVID 19 Journey
The Corona Virus certainly has affected my life in so many ways.As it has every one in the world.Our family life has changed dramatically. I am not able to visit my adult children and their families for family dinner,or celebrate my children’s April birthdays. I like to play with the grandkidor just spend time with them.Now wectalk more on the phone , provide calls.Our family was not able to have a family dinner for Easter.We have also discontinued going to church weekly, we do virtual service or Conference calls.I attend a weekly Bible Study classes each Wednesday morning we…
Restaurant (Story #645)
Coronavirus has run to pick and pack in my life Im a big guy and I love to eat I play football at University of Central Florida and with everything Ive been closed out all the good restaurants Im currently losing weight which Im happy and sad about I like to die Nana eat my food so to see some of the restaurants opening up but came down and I still dont get to enjoy my food I want to quarantine and has been taken at all upon me and I just want to eat good again Cant can the…
#29 This Is a Plague
She has the pleasure of her Grandson living with her. He helps her get out early mornings to get grocery taking advantage of Senior Early Shopping hours. The Virus has impacted her family due to her having essential workers a Son(in the Army) and Granddaughter(in the medical field). she noted that the national Leadership has known about this virus since letting Americans take their monies from the stock market in November of 2019. She ,now attends.er Church over the internet like so many others. And she reads her bible daily as a way of total entertainment.She sustains her way…
#6 Prepared Meals
The virus has not given me an opportunity to visit my wife my of over 40 years. SO.i must solely depend on the nursing facility to care for her, not being able to lay my eyes on her is very frustrating for her as well as for me. I, not only miss her, voice but her gently calling my name and praying with her, This virus should be calm by now. But the leadership of this country is does not place value on our lives. I.must depend on charitable organizations for prepared meals and it is a mystery to know…
Unemployment shortfalls…
At Macy’s i work on commission… And everyday i must cover my $9.00 an hour draw.. 7 hrs ×9 equals $63 a day that Macys is paying us right now.. I’m one of the lucky ones… That’s $315 minus taxes, fico, and s.s.(at 25 %) equals $227.25 a week… I cannot pay rent food, auto loan, insurance, gas (taking care of mom in Boynton) ,dentist loan, electric, capital 1(when times are tough) and going out( to support our local economy.. Take out etc..)… Made $32,000 in taxable income 1918.. Devided by 50 weeks is $640 per week… Minus taxes…
Not that bad
Corona has given me time to work on my game and the things I lacked, havent really affected me negatively besides not being in school
Living through coronavirus
The corona virus has impacted my life through numerous ways:1. I have had to complete my internship remotely2. My aunt became infected with the corona virus, which stressed my family out in the beginning but now we are relying heavily on faith3. I have had to cautious about where I travel and my surrounding because my dad is at risk of catching the corona virus4. I haven’t seen my baby nephew in a month because he is also at risk for catching the corona virus5. I have had walk the bridge for exercise due to the gym being closed6. I…
community
Coronavirus has taken a toll on my community stores have been closed for over a month now things are looking bad my community has been on the news with a high coronavirus case within a small community I feel as if that we are not quarantine in the right way and we are taking it for a vintage the government need to seize another we are quarantining in my community I think we should all come together as one and discuss how can we get over this coronavirus and the glaze
Waiting on a Change
My family and I have been affected in a few ways. First, I lost my job with first transit( Trolly) second, my car broke down and it was our only means of transportation. 3rd my son (17) suffers with mental health issues and wasn’t able to get his 30 day meds, instead they gave him 15. Now we are waiting on a appointment so he’ll be able to get the rest of his meds, and as you know no one is taking clients. We both suffer from anxiety, and he also suffers with severe depression. Inspite of EVERYTHING that…
# 35 I Would Buy The Movie Tickets And They Would Buy The Popcorn
Ms Cleveta Robinson is a 73 year old single woman with a strong constitution. She is a native of Jamaica. Cleveta says she is following the rules for this pandemic. She has been COVID-19 tested Mrs Robinson says that she has warned her family members about the impact of this pandemic and hopes that they take heed. Mrs Robinson enjoys early morning walks and hearing the birds sing. Although, Cleveta would enjoy some romance in her life, She says I would buy the movie tickets and they would buy the popcorn,NOT GOOD!SHE COULD USE ASSISTANCE WITH HER ELECTRIC AND…
Regular
My life hasnt changed at all really. Other than not being at school, I still do the same thing i would if there wasnt a virus, maybe it is because im not very social
Nursing home life
I live at b a nursing home. We can not receive visits. Our daily life is just about as normal as a nursing home can be. They are making sure that all of our helpers are not ill. They take our temperature twice a day and. Limit our clients are contact.
# 25 We Need To Be Running To Chruches With Powerful Prayers
Mr Leonard Thompson says that this a wake-up call to all Christians. America is in serious troubleAll Churches were closed. Gods doors were closed . We needed to be running to the Churches to pray powerful prayers His Church Lakeside Baptist never closed. At this time,Mr Thompson says he doesn’t need any assistance.
COVID-19 and Me
The virus hasn’t really had an impact on me. I am just taking precautionary measures when going out into the public. I keep hand sanitizer with me and wipes in my car. I come back home and boil lime peels/orange peels with salt to stand over in order to inhale the steam because I know that the nostrils and the throat are the two places that this virus can reside, it being the coolest two places. I have always been an introvert and just the week before I had got approved to work from home when needed and this was…
A husband needing assistance
Hello. My name is Leroy Merchant and I am a husband who’s wife (Fabiola) is currently battle a diagnosed of stage 4 ovarian and colon cancer and also raising two teenage boys. My mother suffered a stroke in June who also needs my help. Life took us for a ride back in October last year when my wife was diagnosed and my mother’s stroke. Then on March I became unemployed due to Covid19 and it has been a struggle not only before but became more in March, being home have giving me an opportunity to take care of my wife…
#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,…
Overcomer
God is good
Less working
Paying my bills stoping my job
The new norm
Its required me work remotely full-time. Im truly understanding the importance of being technologically knowledgeable and adaptable. Being able to change with the time is important.
#36 Police Stopped Me
Police stopped him for not wearing a mask while he was taking his morning walk, The Virus has no bearing on his life and the life of his family as noted. He went to the grocery store this morning to order his grocery. At presently,he has no food insecurities,no issue with getting out paying his bills.He hopes this is over before the November election, He wants his vote to remove the leader of this nation out of office.He is a a very positive guy. He doesn’t seem to allow gray skies to remove his always positive outlook on life. He…
The end of the world (Story #415)
Im a diabetic person Im very scared but in the mane of Jesus this virus will go far away from me and my family. Now I seating every day no work no money , this virus arrives like Bigger storm No time to do nothing and save anything my biggest problem i got bill to pay .
New Normal: there is some good!
This deadly virus has completely impacted interactions with social distancing. Balancing between work and home schooling my son has been challenging and rewarding all at once. My son is extremely active so I was apprehensive about keeping him engaged but I have been pleasantly surprised. The challenge isn’t so much home schooling as much as finding activities post-virtual school, that don’t involve leaving the house, outside of watching TV and reading books. He has taken an interest in cooking which has been great and we have come together as a family, breaking bread and playing board games together.
#62 But For Now That’s The Way It Is
Mr. Rowe is 80 yrs old born and raised in Jamaica. He came here for a better life.He continues to wonder How did this happen? He has always had values of working hard. And America gave him that dream.He adheres to the law of staying in place. he doesn’t like it, But for now that’s the way it is.
Lost (Story #656)
Hello my name Raymond and I feel as if coronavirus has struck the wrong fast I truly believe that this virus has impacted a lot of folks across the room alarm many people have died because it is bars and they have taken a toll on Panna Road I feel as many people has thought it wasnt that serious but now as a bigger picture been two months under quarantine and I have open mini eyes sorry for the families that have lost
Elderly not forgotten
I am grateful and appreciative for the support of community in ensuring that the elderly are taken care of. Meals are delivered several times a week by various individuals. Neighbors are calling to offer encouragement and comfort. This is specially needed because some elderly ones live aloneOr no longer have relatives leaving nearly by or because of social distancing to care for their needs.
Teen mom
Hello the corona impacted my life as a teen mother. How? Because I couldnt have a experienced of my 1 child a baby shower also I couldnt take no pictures or anything then Im having my baby in this virus is even worse I just pray god watch and protect over me
Devastation
My job recently closed and I am unemployed. My house is very cramped because the kids can’t go to school. The stores don’t have the materials that I need to provide for my kids and family.This is devastating and I pray this would be over soon.
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…
Bummer
I had plans to move to Michigan to live with my boyfriend but he had to move home and now we are living with family. Its not fun.
My struggle is real
I live in Delray Beach but I work in Boca Raton my job temporarily closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.So I filed for unemployment its been 3 weeks now since I filed unemployment. Still no word from them. Still no stimulus check I check my bank account every morning. For a person who lives paycheck to paycheck how do you survive with no paycheck? This is not a choice this is just me trying to be the best person I can be. Ive worked hard my whole life and now the reality hits. And everything I spent a lifetime working…
The end of the world (Story #411)
Hi My name is Mrs. D corona virus is a devil Its come like a bigger storm. No one got time to save or collect nothing we cant get money to buy things to eat and pay our bills . Because I seating at home I dont know when everything going to be done only God knows.
Abbeys Story
Having to maintain my job, pick up a second job to help where my wife lost income, and trying to stay mentally and physically healthy.
No Traveling
It has affected me by the lack of traveling that I could do before the coronavirus. It has also affected me by not being able to take my dog to the dog park. People are not taking the proper procedures and are not wearing protections in local places such as grocery stores.
Sisters + Cars
My sister lives in West Palm Beach and I live in Jupiter. She doesn’t drive and last week she had symptoms similar to the ones for coronavirus. I reached out and told her if she wants to go get tested to let me know and I can drive her but we have to make an appointment, find a mask and some gloves for us to not spread it between each other. I am glad that I am here for her and I have a car. But it had me thinking, how else are people that do not have transportation and…
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
How COVID-19 Has Been Impacting My Live :
COVID-19 has turned my life a bit upside down, as it has for many. My boyfriend and I both work in tech, for two different platforms in the hiring industry. When the Stay at Home regulations began across the country, my company was flooded with cancellations. We specialize in restaurants and hospitality, so it’s understandable that as a hiring tool we’d be one of the first services cut as these companies try to stay afloat. My company is a very small startup, so this hit us hard from the get-go. We immediately cut salaries across the board and cancelled bonus…
Bryant Park W.P.B.
I live in downtown Lake Worth Beach… I’M SINGLE..SENIOR CITIZEN..AND GENERALLY A VERY POSITIVE PERSON…TAKE CARE OF MY MOM IN BOYNTON WHO’S 92.. LOVE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND LOVE MY LAKE WORTHS BEACHSIDE COMMUNITY… MONEY’S STRESSFUL RIGHT NOW FOR MOST PEOPLE..AS IS THE FEAR OF CONTAMINATION… WE ARE NEAR THE BEACH (JUST A BRIDGE) BUT AREN’T ALOUD TO GO THERE.. I’M A SINGLE SENIOR LIVING ON NOW VERY DIMINISHED RESOURCES OF MONEY..WITH LOANS TAXES ELECTRIC ETC. IN A ONE BEDROOM RENTAL OF ONLY 450 SQ.FT. …I’VE SEEN EVERY MOVIE I OWN .. READ ALOT..FB ALOT.. COOK, CLEAN,FOOD SHOP,…
Half full (Story #533)
The virus just giving me time off to think about my next moves and actually workout and catch up to where I need to be in everything Yea it is bad but I look at the glass half full
Praying that a change is going to come!!!
Since the pandemic began it’s truly been hard on myself and family these past several months. Before the covid-19 I recently received not 1 but 2 parttime jobs with the Palm Beach County School District. Now I’ve been unemployed since March 13, 2020 all due to that all schools are closed due to this pandemic. Immediately after we were notified that we were going to be unemployed I reached out to all my bill collectors notifying them that I was currently let go due to the pandemic. They said it was fine whenever I can pay just submit a payment….
My Strength
It was scary not knowing how we would take care of and provide for our families. Especially when not all creditors were willing to work with you. Going from consistent financial means to zero so fast was alarming to say the least. It shocked us. Our family became homeless and divided up and living in separate places which was extremely tough for all us and praying and hoping we were safe and not exposed to viruses of any sort actually. It weighed on us emotionally financially mentally, etc. Not having the means and not knowing when or what you were…
Free us
Corona has sat me and my twin brother at home this was supposed to be a big year for us both, I feel like they need to just let us go back to school because corona isnt even thought of right now with all of this going on
Trying to be still with the virus
The corona virus has impacted my life in many ways:1. I was supposed to have surgery on April 22,2020 to help repair my vision, but it was postponed.2. My daughter now has to do therapy sessions at home with masks on.3. I am also not able to work because due to risk of being infected or infecting my client.4. My family is also affected by the corona virus because everyone is feeling overwhelmed.
God is!!!
The Corona virus has effected me in a little way. I can’t go out to church like I use to but other than that I am truly Blessed to be here through it all.
Making the best of it
As a college student majoring in research biology and chemistry, classes are only a small part of my college career. What really separates you from others in the research world, especially in the sciences, is the hands-on experience you gather working in various laboratories and internships. Because of this, the pandemic has completely stalled my progress. I was unable to complete the hands-on research I started this semester, and I couldnt finish the programs I had started in Student Government either. Additionally, my summer plans went upside down when the summer research internship that I was accepted to cancelled their…
Hope still lives
During the pandemic I had to stop working but my husband continued to work. Since we were living on one paycheck we couldn’t pay our bills or even take care of basic necessities like food and gas. But youth empowered to prosper started a food pantry that helped us soo much that we didnt need to buy food. We could focus our funds on paying Bill’s and etc. I then started to volunteer because of how they have helped my family. and assist others with getting food. though I filed for both unemployment and food stamps but…
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