Residents were asked, “Please share a story, idea, personal experience, or something you’ve witnessed that will help future generations understand what it was like to live through and cope with 2020.“ 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.”
Children displaced.
During this time the hardest time was being away from my children. Due to me having to work and there being no Child care, being responsible I had to send my children to Georgia to have adequate care daily. Working pushes me out of my home for 8 hours sometimes 9 and it would be unfair for them to stay home alone.
Stay woke
I believe that 2020 was planned and everything that is going on nobody has any care for the poor. Its just the beginning wait until they start trying to inject us
#FedYEC2020 (Story #96)
Can go out with my family like we used to and everytime we do go out we are scared that were going to get the virus
The Kids
This has been crazy being stuck at home. I think my kids have had it hardest bc they can’t see their friends or really participate in any activities. The food distributions and community feedings have been awesome. It saves some money from the limited funds that are no longer coming in.
Unemployment
Living through 2020 was a wake up call. The things I thought i was doing that was important really wasnt so important at all.Unemployment has hit America hard.
“El 2020 cambio mi vida”
Este año sin duda quedara en la historia,muchas cosas an cambiado personalmente esta pandemia nos a afectado mucho ami familia y ami. Me enferme de tanto estres se me empezo a caer el pelo a puños algo que nunca me habia pasado me preocupe fui al doctor y me dieron medicamento oara el estres pero me mantenia dirmida, decidi no tomar nada solo hacer calma poco a poco empese a mejorar, pero todo se empeoro otraves cuando comenzaron las clases de mis hijos, fue cun cambio muy grande para ellos yo tuve que dejar de trabajar para estar con ellos…
Together
I personally seen my church help out tons of people every week with a good pantry . I feel like we all have to think about others in the pandemic. And we will overcome it by the grace of God
Liefe
I haven bee. Through a lot cling you have been rob by the police beat up and lot of many thing that’s not worth talking about but it’s time for a chase
#24
Ms eva hollis is the mother of 14 adult children. Her daughter,earline(71) prepare breakfast and lunch for her on a daily basis. She moves pretty slow. However,she is swift in memory. One of her son lives with her. Mrs eva is 96 years young. She says that covid 19 is so sad. Many have lost their lives with this virus. I stay in the house unless i must see my doctor. People should obey and stay home!
#9
PAULA GRAHAM IS A 64 YEAR OLD.SHE IS CURRENTLY SEPARATED FROM HER HUSBAND OF MANY YEARS. SHE IS ALSO UNDER HOUSING AND HAS A WELL-DECORATED APARTMENT.MRS GRAHAM WAS BORN AND RAISED IN BOYNTON BEACH. THE IDEA OF WEARING A FACE MASK HAS REALLY BEEN ASTONISHING TO HER. THIS COVID19 IS KILLING PEOPLE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE YOUTH JUST DON’T CARE ABOUT THIS DISASTROUS VIRUS. i JUST CAN’T SEEM TO GET OVER PEOPLE IN BOYNTON HAVING TO WEAR A MASK.
#coronavirus (Story #92)
Have not been able to go to work because of coronavirus
#20 WHEN WILL THIS BE OVER
Ms ponticello is a 73 year old recluse. She very seldom answer her door or phone. It is always a hit or miss with her. Today was a good day!Ms ponticello has had her chihuahua taken from her by the hoa after the dog attacked a resident. She is receiving meals from cdc senior meal program.she feels as though the pandemic has left us in a state of disbelief and not knowing where and who to turn. Ms jan is mow wondering when will this be over.
A different kind of year
The year 2020 will definitely be one to remember. So much happened and so many life lessons were learned. I personally have learned to appreciate life way more. I don’t take anything for granted anymore. We lost so many people this year and lived in a way that we’ve only seen in movies.
Blessing
What I witness is people who are truly in need and just being able to help out and give to others is just a blessing. You start realizing that your problem are nothing.
#11 I AM VERY FRUSTRATED
Mrs jean sliwa is a 79 years young. When i called her,she was just getting home from having wine with her friends. Mrs sliwa loves life! She says that what her mad is that while she takes daily walks at ocean park in boynton beach. She is approached by those that don’t think that mask are of importance. But,i do and they are endangering my life. With the black lives matters, i am appalled at the treatment that is handed down on people of color. It is very frustrating.
7
Continue to focus and Educate Yourself no matter how bad it may seem.
Living with Faith 2020
2020 has been a journey alittle challenging but I’m making it through by the grace of God I’m thankful for his grace and mercy I did have covid back in June but I made it through it was a little tough for 2 days and after that I was good so yes I am a covid-19 survivor…. my God is able
No Help
I am disabled and don’t drive. This mess has really got to me I don’t drive and they don’t deliver food or meds here so its been real hard to get stuff when I need it. I can’t even get to the dr or vet for my service dog.
#3 THIS IS SOMETHING I NEVER WANT TO WITNESS AGAIN
I am ginger colebrooks,the oldest of sister of two(2). My younger sister,juanita,lives in miami,florida. On june 29.2020,she underwent a major surgical procedure. She is a cognitive impaired person. The fact,that she was hospitalized and she was literally turned over to the hospital without her immediate family close by . This left me heart-broken. I anxiously wait to skype with her soon. She is now in a rehabilitation facility for two(2) weeks.this is something that i never want to witness ever again!
COVID-19
I now social distance in my everyday life my daughter didn’t have a graduation and she and i were both upset about about it. So many things were canceled for her
#classof2020jipped
We had issues with my kid’s senior year activities. His school does quite a bit for seniors during the spring semester. He missed prom, they postponed and had a crappy graduation ceremony, and they were unable to do their after graduation party referred to as Project Graduation. We had to do a “drive-thru” graduation ceremony. It was so hard on him. However, the counselors did call all the students to check on them throughout the rest of the semester. He senior speech was chosen to be used in their online graduation memoriam, and it…
grateful to God and life for one more opportunity
2020 a year with much to tell. where you realized that life is the most beautiful thing that God has given us where we learned to be more human where we realized that it does not matter the title, position or how high it is when the virus Attack no position, we learned that life can go away in an instant definitely a difficult year all change if we are still counting being here alive let us thank God and strength for all those who lost a family member I wish for all that 2021 be …
Phrase
You can be up today and down tomorrow don’t take life for granted.
Never
Seven months into 2020 and it feels like seven life times. 2020 is a year that needs its on history book just for the first seven months and several editions for the remaining five months. I never imagined in 2020 I would bury my father. I never imagined we would be walking around with face mask on or wearing gloves due to a virus with no cure. I never imagined that a man by the name of George Floyd would bring the whole world to their feet and scream JUSTICE!! I never thought people would burn down…
#21 tHE UNREST HAS BEEN A LONGTIME COMING:
Ms mildred schley is a native of boynton beach. She is a mother to 4 sons and 1 daughter. She now lives with her daughter,jane. Jane teaches at congress middle school. Her oldest son suffers with many health concerns and he is in and out of the hospital.ms schley believes that the unrest has been a long time coming in the black community. She mentions that the baby boomers failed this generation by not standing and staying steadfast to the cause .
#2020 #covid-19
In 2020 coronavirus cases went up I even know someone personally that tested positive for corona.
10
You have to be strong and persevere. COVID-19 cut down my ability to earn extra money to help support my family because I cater events and all events were canceled this hindered me from being able to pay my bills. I was working part time and I needed the money to support my household and it just wasn’t there, and month after month the bills just got higher and higher. My husband was on dialysis and he wasn’t able to support the family like he wanted to. Then on Thanksgiving day of 2020 I witnessed the death of my husband…
#8 I DIDN’T THINK I WOULD LIVE TO BE 86 YEARS OF AGE
I am yvonne fisher. I didn’t think i would live to be 87 years of age. After battling covid19,a few months ago. I spent five(5) days at bethesda west. This virus still has me weak. Mrs fisher has lots of energy to burn. But due to covid19,she is temporarily using a walker for daily exercis. She is a fighter and she has many grandchildren to raise in new york. This lady was use to driving home to new york for family reunions.mrs fisher has a 31 year old chef for a grandson that lives in miami. He shops and prepares…
Scary timeline!
It is was and still is hard time in daily way of life , whenever you go idea of COVID-19 infection is in back of your mind !!! Scared and unsure about what could be if you do get it and spread it to your parents or family .
#14 (Story #51)
Virginia bulger has been living in boynton beach all her life. She lives in the home of her mother where she was actually born some 83 years ago. She is a descendant of the bahamas. She has been a member of the church of god-boynton beach for life. She firmly believes that god has been angered and we need to abide and listen to him. There is not one thing that man can do or knows regarding this virus.
#6 I HAVE A GRANDSON WITH THE VIRUS
I am mary jones 83 years old. I have lived in boynton beach since 1981. I am originally from cuthbert,georgia. I have a 25 years young grandson with this virus. He resides in in atlanta,georgia. This has affected his family. I am trying to stay clear of the virus. I will take her some microban on tomorrow.she has another grandson that resides with her, he runs all errands.
#1
One of the most tragic and scary is the fact that we cannot visit loved ones. Loved ones that are in hospitals dying,dis-eased and families that cannot lay their eyes on those that are hospitalized.
Surviving the Pandemic
Its been hard living thru 2020, if not the deaths all over the country, its been the virus which has taken so many innocent lives, then theres people struggeling to get by with all the businesses closing, food banks running empty everyday, the propaganda with the government, not wanting to help financially, ? Stimulus, and people out robbing homes, people on streets, and then theres people waiting to see what loved ones will survive , waiting on the vaccine, im 59 yrs old, i do not remember a year in my life were i was so afraid wondering if my…
#10 I AM CONTENT!
Cynthia davis is a 73 years old single woman. She lives with not being extremely mobile due to experiencing a stroke years ago. She manages with the assistance of family and neighbors. She says god shut the entire world down with covid19. That is because he’s a angry god.he wants everybody to listen to his spiritual guidance. As for me,i am content my monies are direct deposited,i have prepared meals and get to my doctor’s appointments when needed.
Covid Affects
Because of the covid situation I, I have been forced to move out of my home due to the lack of steady income. I went from making $800 a week to $350 every two weeks. I have went from a stable home to not knowing where i’m going to sleep every night. It has really been tough because I have 4 kids that depend on me. Ages 11, 10, 7 and 9 months. Due to the fact that I don’t have reliable transportation, its makes it even harder to find a better job or resources that can help me climb…
#12 THIS IS LIKE JAIL
Mrs carol woodside is 82 years of age and she is from louisville,kentucky. She has lived in boynton beach for 19 years. Mrs woodside is scheduled to have a spinal fusion as soon as the hospitals open up for elective surgeries. Sh is fearful of exposure to covid19. She never thought about not being able to see her grands back in kentucky but due to covid she can.t. This is like jail!
My grandkids
The pandemic has put me in a position that i cant see most of my grandchildren because of the virus.
#18 SHE HAS WORKED IN THE HOMES OF THE WEALTHY
Mrs geneva wilkins and her husband have lived in boynton for about 46 years. There homes sits on a corner with a well-manicured lawn.they are of low- imcome but you will never kmow it. She worked in the homes of the wealthy and there was never a penny taken from her pay for social security benefits. This has happened to many black helps all over. Mrs wilkins feels that cannot take the risk.she has loss alot during this pandemic not able to cook and people come and purchase her food. Mr wilkins tries to have rummage sales on the weekends…
Who knew!
2020 has taught me that being my own boss and being financially stable is the best thing that I can do for myself and family.
#15
Mrs katherine todd comes to boynton beach by way of georgia in 1990. She is 91 year young.she suffers from no major illnesses. Mrs todd has had a cornea transplant. The virus has kept her away from friends . She has one living son that she hasn’t seen this year.
#21 THE WADE-INS WERE HISTORIC
I an michelle d white lives born and raised in boynton beach. Historically,i come from a long line of civil-rights activist. Especially when the blacks were trying to integrate the beaches in broward county which they successfully did. The beach today is known as a landmark beach von d mizell-eula johnson state park.eula johnson was my aunt. My aunt eula owned a gas station in the 1960’s. Not many african-americans were likely too not even now. The von d mizell-eula johnson state park was known 60 years ago as the john u lloyd state park colored beach. It is…
Covid-19 (Story #66)
Personal experience from covid-19 was my senior year was canceled. Things was going so well and all of a sudden the world shut down.
#23
Mrs catherinr hinson is an 85 year old widow. She was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago as a-symptomatic for covid 19. She is a retired teacher and a proud graduate of an hbcu-bethune-cookman university. She has stood with many causes that have affected change in the black community. Hwe covid 19 respoonse is that it is real. Mrs hinson feels that she went out just a little too much. Her son,efrem,vows to do all errands until this pandemic is over.
#2
That black lives really do matter…Everyone coming together against racism.covid-19 has had an impact on families that do not spend time together.
#2020coronavirus
My job is slow ever since the coronavirus occurred
La vida de las madre
Me quede sin trabajo me toco se maestra de mi hija y no se ingles mi hija ni copera y se ponen muy agresiva cuando esta en las clase por zoom yo estoy muy frustrada trato de hacer la limpieza diaria pero ni se puede con los niños y las clase para completar tengo que estar buscando a alguien que me acompañe a la tienda cuando necesito algo porque no puedo bajar a los nene por cuidarlo a vece puedo ordenar en linea pero no siempre porque piden mínimos y la situacion no esta para malgastar. Mi papa esta muy…
We need our families and friends.
Initially, COVID really impacted my mental health. I always knew how much my friends and family meant to me but I never expected to not be able to see them from several months at a time. Being in the house, not being able to run at parks or not being able to se my friends really made me feel a b it depressed. I was missing families birthdays and weddings were cancelled. I had recently graduated from college and couldn’t have a proper graduation or celebration. Everything felt wrong. I felt alone and I felt disconnect from the world. That…
#16
Mrs martha moody is 90 years young and she lives alone in a senior retirement community. Her next door neighbor takes really good care of her.her closest relative is her nephew and he lives in vero beach.the virus has denied her the willingness to worship at first presbyterian church for all of 40 years. She receives meals from the senior care program of cdc. She thinks the day will come when this virus leaves and take alot more citizens with it. Mrs martha also hopes that the policemen are reckoned with all over when they do horrible things to blacks….
Adapt
Living in 2020 was different and everyone had to adapt to the change quickly.
#21
Mr lloyd sukhu is from bengali. He lives with his wife maywantie. Mr lloyd will be celebrating his 76th birthday september 28th.he and his family moved to boynton beach 20 years ago. He received a triple by pass about 3 years ago. He and his wife now babysit their beautiful grandboy with lots of humility. The suhku believe that his virus came as apunishment from the creator.
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