COVID-19 Project Story Collection

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.”

# 15 I WAS PREPARING SAUAGE AND EGGS FOR OUR BREAKFAST

On the Morning of March 25th, Mr Heath was making breakfast for he and his wife(Susie) While he was preparing sausage and eggs.Mr Heath overheard Mrs Heath repeating the 23rd psalm. He walked back into the room and shook Mrs Heath to let Mrs Susie know that breakfast was ready. MR HEATH IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 as well as her 2 sisters(Mary and Carolyn) Who live in the Heart of Boynton. The sisters arrived at the home expeditiously awaiting 911. Mrs Susie died as a result of the Virus. Mr Heath was called back to the hospital for testing…
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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 isn’t even thought of right now with all of this going on
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Single Mother Struggles in Covid19

I am affected by not having a job to provide and pay my bills on time and also not having money to barely feed my son as a single mother to a 6 year old child who is now home schooled due to social distancing.
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Safer at home in Lovely Jupiter

Everyone is home. Normally a good thing but my boys would prefer to be in school (one in High School the other in college). It’s a challenge with the uncertainty of the future with AP and AICE exams cancelled. As well as SAT and ACT! But we are fortunate that my husband can do his job from home (and that he has a job!) and we have a pantry and fridge full of food. I’m immune compromised with a sore throat and cough so every time I cough (which is often), my husband worries. I am not worried as I…
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Work (Story #120)

The way the corona virus has affected me Iis my work for 2 weeks now I been job less because my job has been shut down now I’m struggling to pay my bill
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The Glades (Story #659)

Coronavirus has put a big outbreak in my community stores shops restaurants even stores have been closed are still open and not in close in early I really feel like to my community is losing a lot of money quarantine it is not the best way to go right now we are not pointing in the right way I think we should come together as a community to talk to each other they find out a better solution I have you go about this coronavirus I truly believe that we need to find a better solution because we have a…
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Restaurant (Story #645)

Coronavirus has run to pick and pack in my life I’m a big guy and I love to eat I play football at University of Central Florida and with everything I’ve been closed out all the good restaurants I’m currently losing weight which I’m 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 don’t 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 Can’t can the…
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#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #255)

The pandemic Corona Virus has made it extremely hard to experience the typical senior year and college life . It has made income shorter due to closing of jobs .
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#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…
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Oh man this is BADDDDDD!

Coronavirus has truly been a demonic nightmare, not only to the community but for the nation. I have friends who has recently had his father pass away from this man made die-zeez Disease it has made every skeptical, why should we concern about the air we breath when you can’t get NATURAL air anywhere else. The world is trippen. But god isn’t, may he bless you and have mercy.
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Quarantine Chronicles: More Isolated & Domesticated Than Ever

I’ve been practicing social distancing and working from home for 3 weeks, and it’s been a tricky transition. My husband still leaves the house to work every weekday, so I’ve become responsible for our young daughter’s distance learning. I’m struggling to find a rhythm for working from home, giving my daughter and husband the attention they need, and doing more cooking and cleaning than I usually do. I’ve never been this domestic! And I haven’t yet figured out a way to carve out time and space to take care of myself personally. It’s a strange place to be…feeling both more…
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Self

My immediate family has been impacted financially across the board. As of yet, we have not suffered any sickness from the pandemic. I really miss seeing and hugging family members. We video chat frequently but it’s nowhere near the same. My hours were greatly affected at my job. And because of the uncertainty of when I would work next, I had to scurry around to come up with another solution to try and stay afloat money wise . That, along with being a full time mother of a 7 year old with autism who I now have to…
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Stay in the house

Due to the virus i have to stay in the house like everyone should be doing. Im over 70 years old so its not safe to be out and about. I just hope these young folks listen and stay inside so it can go away fast.
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Taking this in stride

Well, like everyone else, it hasn’t been easy, however, I feel that I’m blessed. My husband and I are both able to work from home and my family is healthy. What more can I ask for? We have all the essentials, I love being in my home. Life is good.
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Introduced to the COVID-19

I decided to take a mental health week away from work. During that time I took a brisk walk several days,. Although I felt a bit winded I contributed it to being out of shape. I heard about this out of control virus going on in the world but didn’t think much of it. I began feeling symptoms of some kind of ailments. My PCP. He prescribed me a Z-pack and encouraged me to drink a lot of liquids. I developed some new symptoms seemingly designated as the COVID-19 virus growing every day like gossip all over the world….
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My life in the struggle

My struggles started when I lost my child on October 1,2019, my world was turned upside down then this pandemic it does not make anything better my son contracted the COVID-19 and also my cousin who I’m currently living with so it was real scary not knowing what to expect but I prayed and asked God to give me the strength to go through what this pandemic has to offer. Let me back up a little when I lost my daughter I behaved in a lot of my bills .
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Inspirational Quotes

I rely on inspirational quotes to get me through uncertain times. When I feel like I am having a weak moment, I will read my collection of quotes out loud as they offer easily accessible truth, insight, and perspective.Small scraps of paper and post-it notes can be found throughout my home, a small and worthy collection you might say. Here are a few that I would like to share with you.Do not allow the future to trouble your mind – Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180)Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but never gets…
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Before

Everyday I wake up before I go to work, I have to put on a mask and a pair of gloves. I now carry around hands sanitizer everywhere I go. I keep my distance around other people. This is different than before the virus arrived. I didn’t have to worry about things like this. It is scary.
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# Dinner Time

Coronavirus has made a huge impact on my family, we are spending more time together, eating dinner together etc.
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# 39 SHE IS A GRADUATE OF FCC IN COSMETOLOGY

Ms. Kayleen Marti lives in Boynton Beach. She is 37 years old. Kayleen has a 2 year old son. He is very active.Ms Marti takes care of her older her neighbors.Kayleen is a graduate of FCC in cosmetology. She hasn’t taken the licensed yet.Ms Marti says she doesn’t have adequate childcare.She earns extra money by cleaning others homes on Monday and Friday. Ms Marti is very conscientious of the pandemic and she pratice social distancing.Kayleen Marti needs assistance with her ELECTRIC and WATER.
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# 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…
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Traversing Uncharted Spaces

2020 was a year of FORCED creativity as a result of a global health pandemic causing entire countries to shelter at home to prevent the spread of the virus. While shut in at our homes, we witnessed the horrific murder of Mr. George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a White police officer which erupted in a racial pandemic which has been suppressed as a result of hundreds of Black lives taken, senselessly. In addition, there was an emergence of technological advancements, proficiencies, and accelerated growth as we shifted our minds and hearts to execute the…
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Thankful

I have learned how too take one day at a time. To love and appreciate your family and friends because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Grateful too still be employed and recieving a paycheck.
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# 28 Our Hands Are Cuffed

Miss King is also a lifelong resident of Boynton Beach. Jackie had her house built next door to the home where she was raised. Her sister,Angela, lived in the family home(next door to hers) until 2018. Angela died in the home. Jackie is still reeling the affects of her sister’s death. You ,very seldom ,saw one without the other.Jackie volunteered with the CCC delivering Healthy Meals to seniors,visits them in nursing facilties and hospitals and Jackie is very passionate about the care and self-worth! Mrs King transports them to pick-up medication and grocery shopping.Jackie has two sons Selwyn(39) and…
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Cooking Passion

Cooking is a passion of mine that I enjoy. I cook meals for my Church as a volunteer. It has affected my life because I usually cook every Monday and Wednesday for my church and because of the coronavirus I cannot Cook a meal.
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Change….

Well, things are very different for us all. This time has allowed My Family to become closer. Not being able to do the normal things you would have taught us how to stay home, cook more, and save money.
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Blessing in disguise

Corona virus almost helped me more than hurt me, I get to heal my body but it really hurt everyone else. I am a student athlete so I needed the rest and it give me time to work on things that I lack, hopefully we catch a break with all of this
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#60 He Leans On His Own Understanding

Ms Sullivan’s story is reflected in her dad’s name SOLOMAN MACK.Mr. Mack has been diagnosed with Dementia for a couple of years.He still has a sense of humor and very opinionated.He has been at the V.A. and JFK hospitals for surgery, He is now home thriving .He does have some issues he says with going out.However,he still continues to play checkers with the neighbors as he always has.’HE LEANS ON HIS OWN UNDERSTANDING OF THE VIRUS. He takes walks every morning.As a way,to receive his therapy. The physical therapist isn’t coming anymore due to the virus..
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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.
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The Uncertainty

The end of February when we (our country) realized that we needed to get what we need because the world as we know it was beginning to be wash away and the expectation of what to come was uncertain I was prepared on how to get purchase what is needed somewhat because I live in a hurricane state but the adjustment of this new life is challenging because we don’t know what to become of the new world
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#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!
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What’s Next

Hello I am a sophomore at airport Palm Beach State and I truly believe this coronavirus mess is really serious I watch my community take this as a joke take this virus as a joke and when things hit the fan that was a large number of cases floating around my community I want to let my community to know that we need to stand strong quarantine the right way and 30 cases up as well to make the World open up we need to start within our community first and I will help with that would like to help
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#LifeDuringCorona

I haven’t worked in over a month. I stopped working on March the 13th. I am so used to going to work and now I’m not. Luckily I was able to pay all of the bills for April and March but God knows for May. I’ve been using this time to relax and brainstorm ideas for my business proposal. I’m working on my brand. This virus has given me a good time to do that. I am a busy body and I’m not used to being home and this is new for me and tiring and aggravating and overwhelming. I…
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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…
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Family Forst

My boyfriend just moved to Florida and was excited to find a job. But can’t find any openings. My sister works as a waitress. She lost her job as they closed. I am very fortunate to still have a job and am fortunate I can help them through this time, whether that is buying fresh veggies or paying for rent this month.
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Rona

The virus has affected me because I have to be more cautious of the things i touch and making sure I wash my hands more often. This virus affects a lot because for us seniors we have no graduation no prom, everything is cancelled but on the bright side im saving money. The viruses is affecting me in a great way because im still doing what I want when I want I just have to be careful.
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No Schooling

Now I focus only football, cause i don’t have any classes. If there wasn’t Covid, I’ll prolly be in summer school right.
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It don’t stop nothing

The corona hasn’t stopped anything for me due to the fact that I am a agricultural worker. It makes my son be home from college which I like but also don’t because he’s away from football and his friends
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Family apart

My son who normally goes back and forth between our house and his moms house isn’t around and it’s tough on me and his little brother and sister. His step dad still works in construction and both houses agreed it was best not to take any chances right now.
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My Own Pandemic

Not only has corona virus impacted my life by keeping me outside, but my stepfather passed away just over 3 weeks ago (not covid related). To say that this has been a year from hell on a personal level is an understatement. Overall, I am okay, but its been rough. Classes transitioned to an online platform for me at the FAU Honors College and countrywide. Its just been tough. I know it can only get better from here and this too shall pass. That being said, however, losing someone you love and have loved for so long hurts.
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Covid-19 (Story #939)

Fidelina FloresHi, I’m Fidelina Flores I was forced to stop working on March 18th due to the covid-19 outbreak. I have three kids, an 11 month old an 8 year old and an 18 year old. I used to work at a restaurant called “Las Flores”. After a couple of months of staying home I was able to go back to work, but only for one day. My employment income decreased drastically leaving me and my family in a very hard financial situation. My husband also got his work hours reduced. He is working just three days a week because…
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Coping With Corona?!

Well, I got Corona. So, that has had a huge impact. I’m 26 days with the virus, and it’s been pretty rough. My business was also deeply affected, as our summer and fall enrollments were stopped in their tracks. I’ve also had many happy surprises and some awesome successes. My team got our students pivoted to an online learning environment seamlessly and well before the public schools did. I bought a new car from my living room and saved on my monthly payment. I’ve made some new friends, found some new business colleagues and discovered some new music online. Overall,…
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No home

It’s been very upsetting there’s no where to go. I can’t go home with see my family i have 19 grandchildren.
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2020 When the World Stopped Spinning So Fast

It seems we have fallen down a rabbit hole into some other dimension. Watching the world suffer from a distance and feeling like it is never going to end. My son is missing out on the end of 5th grade, safety patrol trip to Washington D.C., his spring soccer season, and just his regular daily routine. I am fortunate to be able to work from home, but I’ve become a teacher, guidance counselor, recess playmate, and lunch lady too. I am not complaining about one moment, my cousins 24 year old normally healthy son is on…
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The end of the world (Story #411)

Hi My name is Mrs. D corona virus is a devil It’s come like a bigger storm. No one got time to save or collect nothing we can’t get money to buy things to eat and pay our bills . Because I seating at home I don’t know when everything going to be done only God knows.
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