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.”
#7 Very Fortunate
In all my 63 years, I never thought that I would see Americans let alone my neighbors and people who I grew up with walking around in facial coverings. This corona virus has devastated this Community and Nation. How can a country bring down the prices of oil/gas and food. And not be able to take care of the population of homelessness in times like these. I do not want to point fingers at our national leadership, He does realize a need to stop the spread of this devastating life -threatening virus, I have do mot have any food insecurities,my…
Work or Kids?
I’m home with my kids a lot, trying to work and keep them on a schedule that’s close to what they would do at school. It’s really hard to do work and pay attention to the kids and I find myself getting really short and unpleasant, yelling a lot. It’s hard to let go of what I want to accomplish at work but I can’t do both and the priority should be me being present with my kids.
God Grace
I thank God because me and my family still alive bcuz without Him we won’t be here corona virus makes me cherish every moment of life bcuz an a minute u could loose someone you love
A Not-So Gentle Reminder to Slow Down and Connect
I feel like I should be more concerned about the Corona Virus but I can’t help but feel a certain sense of calm around the whole situation. Maybe it is the connectedness – everyone is in it together and thinking of neighbors and loves ones. Because we are limited in where we can go, our home is filled with family time. Board games, pool time, and yoga have dominated the past weeks. When I walk my dog, everyone says hello now – or at least respond to me when I say hello (which I normally do). The sense of Unity…
The New Regular
The coronavirus has extremely impacted my life. From the beginning, it changed how I, and the entire world, interact with one another in public and at home, but as things got more serious and the threat grew so did our lives. I had to move off campus, and was suddenly taking classes online, this made it so much harder to stay tuned into the lectures and participate. I lost my job temporarily for 2 months. I worked as a receptionist at my family’s salon, and with it closing my dad was also out of a job for those 2 months…
Handling adversity as a start up non-profit
Covid-19 has been a tough on All Nets Inc, we were just beginning to gain traction with our tutoring and mentoring program, and a week into our pilot Palm Beach County Schools began school closures. This immediately put our basketball clinic and celebration with Healthier Glades risk and set us up for a much more strife when it was officially cancelled. Months of planning and preparation were reduced to nothing. We are trying to stay positive, and find ways to still complete our mission, and still looking at ways in which we can build a tutoring and mentoring program that…
Tree Stump to a Palm Tree
Coronavirus has made a drastic effect on my life but I wont allow it to defeat me. Earlier this year, I was overjoyed with the news of becoming a father. With my hands tied with school, college requirements, also football workouts; I knew I hand to make a stand for what was to come my unborn child . Sacrificing my studying and mental relaxation time, I went out to find a job. When sudden pandemic changes came into affect, I was devastated. My job shut us out and we didnt know what day we would return. With little to no…
Community (Story #606)
Coronavirus has put a major impact on my community people are losing jobs stem of this chat is not helping a lot of people are not in control of their homes at the moment I believe that this quarantining thing need to show a better improvement around my community we we still have a large number of cases in the area and we just trying to figure out a better solution I think we should all come together as one and try to help think of a better way
#fullcapacity
So many people have died and many been infected. There aren’t enough supplies for hospitals and many hospitals are at their full capacities and don’t have room for any more patients. I try not to think about what would happen if I or someone in my family caught the coronavirus.
#57 Trying to make ends with 3 jobs
You don’t know who has the Corona Virus that’s the scary part!My daughter and I are adhering to the ordinances that nave been set.Not everyone is wearing protection and being careful.My employment has diminished with the Church ,crossing guard and the Senior program,Trying to make ends with 3 jobs , it is devastating and scary, Now,I don.t have one job!
Strange times
While in this pandemic i have lost my job and been at home every-since. I currently the stimulus check and is in no need. I just hope everyone is staying healthy and safe.
#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…
My friends story
She is moving slow, and I don’t get it. She tells people her business and she doesn’t come outside anymore and there is no air and her house. I am telling her if she is sick she needs fresh air even if she doesn’t wanna spread the virus.
#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…
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
Unemployed Wife
My wife can’t work because she is a school nurse and she isn’t getting paid. She has to P.T.O and when she runs out she can’t get paid anymore. She tried to file for employment but it’s hard for website to process anything. It’s taking along time to receive it’s about the employment kids can’t go to DFYE, pool etc.
New COVID life
My life hasn’t drastically changed; However, my family’s has. My mom works 2 days a week, which has no real effect, she worked for amusement. Yet, my dad who I normally only see on weekends, he works 9-midnight 5 days a week, has been home either all morning or all night. Its also strange to see my brother home this is the longest he’s been home in years. My mom is very thankful for that. As a senior I’ve been very disappointed with how this year has turned out, no graduation or prom, but at least its over. Thankfully my…
Its costly.
Costly. Spending money I do not have.
# 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…
Tough Times
Immigration/Covid-19My name is Yadira, I have 5 children. Ages 16, 11, 9, 5 and 2 years old. Immigration detained me and my husband back in November 2019. I was in immigration detention for 2 weeks, my brother took care of my kids during this time. Once I was released, I was forced to use an ankle bracelet. My husband was detained for 2 months and then deported to Mexico. I am providing for my kids by myself. Before the covid-19 outbreak I used to work cleaning houses. But due to the virus I havent been able to work. Everybody is…
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…
EJSJB2020 (Story #NA)
When Covid-19 was first being pushed into the American news stream in March 2020 I was a sophomore in high school getting ready for spring break with my friends. Around this time people’s emotions were very mixed, some of us were freaking out 2020 had already been so chaotic (We had a World War 3 scare, several celebrities had died, storms were hitting, etc.). Some of us weren’t all that concerned especially us Floridians. Every year we get storm scares and the like, overtime we’ve adapted so that most of the time it’s hard for the mainstream news to…
Shifting for good.
This life altering event has already impacted my life in many ways. Some changes will have a short lifespan, while others will be part of my new norm. As a business owner, I have been hesitant to fully embrace the work from home model. My associates have always had the option, but I was strongly holding onto my office and my in-person meetings. Now I see that there is a better way. A more productive way that allows me to spend more time with my family and spend less time in a car contributing to traffic and pollution. My new…
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.
My story (Story #560)
The coronavirus has clearly affected everyone in so many way. In my case, I have had a lot of time to truly think about myself. Before this pandemic started, I was not in the best mental state. I had a lot of family problems and really needed a break from all of it. While the quarantine is making me stay home with my family, I have a lot of time to decompress and focus on me and what really matters. Family problems still happen but I feel I am able to cope with it all a little better due to…
Cherishing Life of Yesterday While Living The New Norm
My oldest living relative is my Great Aunt Eleanor who is 104. She has seen so much in her life. Her mom had a sister in the early 1900’s who died from the Spanish Flu and her father and sister also had this. The doctor told her mom that she could only save one and that the baby would die. Thankfully the baby (my grandmother) survived. Eleanor still lives independently and is normally very capable, however recently she fell and broke her wrist and ribs. After coming out of rehab she needed help at…
1 (Story #671)
I can’t go to work, in able to visit my friends or family. When I go to the supermarket prices are higher than normal. A lot of items are unavailable in the stores and on line.BS2020AC
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;…
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.
#69 It brings tears to my eyes
Mrs Tucker’s immediate response was America is way over the top! never thought that I would see America looking as a third world country.. This brings tears to my eyes. I came here for opportunity.Now I have lost a husband since being here. I cannot seem to get over the lost I only way out of this is kneeling for prayer.
Mommy sorry
I have 5 kids I cant get to see all of them due to the virus I work 24hrs everyday for security and 2 of my girls birthday coming up this month this would have been the perfect year I could have celebrated with them and it hurts them so bad that I cant see them due to the virus ugh its sucks
It’s Okay To Pause
Instead of becoming consumed by irrational fear (healthy fear is good, as it keeps us safe), the Coronavirus has all but forced me to stop and reevaluate both personal and business goals that I otherwise wouldn’t have taken time to think about. At first, I kept trying to keep up with all of the other business owners who were making massive pivots to adjust to the online switch. I was feeling really stressed out about it, until I realized that this wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing at this time. I was meant to be planning for the…
# 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…
Jobless
The pandemic has cost me my job. It has made life difficult to provide for my two daughters. One that is a college student and one that is a rising senior. The Virus made life difficult because of the many bills and the shortage of money/food coming in for my family. It is also negative because many jobs are scarce because of COVID-19.
Bad virus
By impacting my education also playing football doing what I do and love best
where is the help?
A couple of months ago, I attended a Cost of Poverty simulation and it was very eye opening. Now with this virus impacting our way of life, it has become more difficult to access services. I feel that for many of our residents who doesn’t receive government assistance, they are now getting a taste of how difficult it is to access services from the government.
# 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)
#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,…
#36 Better Days Ahead
My family prevents me from going out. Mainly,because of my high blood pressure and being a stroke victim. So,they are scared for me ! She believe if you experience any symptoms and visit your Doctor you will die. She says atke ginger,cloves,lemon with warm water to improve your health.She is responsible for her 17 yr old Granddaughter who attends Atlantic High’s International Baccalaureate Program and her studies online daily.She is praying for better days ahead!My son,that lives in Boston,is taking care of his newborn daily.
I dont have a code, but I heard about this by word of mouth.
To whom it may concern, being a senior citizen with medical disability, the corona virus has impacted my life in many ways. It has affected my not being able to get out to go to the pharmacy to get my medication, going to the grocery store to purchase my food and most of all affecting my mental ability worries of catching the virus. My prayer is that the government, and county official, and the people that are in position, to help the people will do the right thing and be fair with helping all that needs the help. Thank you…
Dealing with the Inability to help our Students
Roots and Wings has an after school reading and reading comprehension program in four Title One schools in Delray Beach. We pay for certified teachers in the school, hand-picked by the principals in those schools, to work with these struggling 2nd 3rd grade students in small groups of 10 or less to help them bolster their confidence and improve their reading skills. Many of them need help with phonics. Since school is not in session, we do not have a chance to visit the classrooms and offer encouragement to these children. In many instances, we are the extra person besides…
#51 Nobody Has Changed Their Ways
When I First heard mention of the Corona Virus ,I was scared, I began to call everyone of my Church members to share with info on the virus. In early March. I self-quarantine. I was unable to keep anything on my stomach and i couldn’t sleep. I thought this was a suicide mission for those that lived in the heart of Boynton because they aren’t adhering to the order set forth by the City or County to protect your face…No One wears facial protection on my street. Nobody has changed their ways.It will die down> Hopefully,we will come out…
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…
No Schooling
Now I focus only football, cause i dont have any classes. If there wasnt Covid, Ill prolly be in summer school right.
Chilled
Since the virus hit, my life has been pretty chill. I workout when i want and dont have to wake up early to do so. I dont have no one yelling in my face. The only downfall is that I cant play football right now.
# 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.
#Night job
I work at night. I stay home dont go out side unless I have to. I take my dog for a walk and enjoy life at home. I spend time with family and friends they come by and see me. I buy paper towels and tissue paper to give to the elderly people that dont have or cant go get it.
Senior year ruined
I am so mad that my graduation got ruined. This sucks totally! This virtual graduation ceremony is a bad idea. I rather wait until it is safe to be out again and give us the graduation that we deserve. Thanks Corona for ruining my senior year!
Didnt see it coming
I was laid off from my job.
Palm Health story
The request for assistance comes from the lack of funds available to cover the rent due to an injury I suffered and put me out of work for over 3 weeks. I injured my shoulder which left me unable to work and left a big gap in our income. My wife also being pregnant and due to the current pandemic being unable to work, puts us in a tight squeeze in order to make the payment possible. We would kindly appreciate any assistance which can be provided in order to make the payments due. Thank you so much for your…
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