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.”
Good and Bad
Covid-19 made a significant impact on my life by having all the stores rise the price on good. I am unemployed and since there are high demands on hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, Clorox disinfecting wipes, Lysol disinfectant spray, and masks, I am unable to provide as much safety for my family. Customers/consumers are not allowed to go into stores or get served if we do not have a mask on, which sucks because I sometimes forget to bring my mask with me every time I need to go out for groceries or accessories. Its also negative because I…
Gratitude Amidst Chaos
As a State employee, it has been quite disorienting. I’ve begun working remotely, faced the stress of many technical issues while trying to process and respond to various incident reports of those with special needs – from covid-19 cases, deaths, elopements, behavior issues, and incidents that are unspeakable as well. Alone. No colleagues to turn around and vent to, a usually very accessible boss is now over her eyeballs with communications with State and Legislature officials. My church family as I affectionately call them, as they serve as a bigger support system than my blood family, we are no longer…
Life goes on!!
I haven’t been sick since 2004 and everything has been the same/Good for me. I still have to pay rent, work etc. Why is everything in a panic when this virus is easier to get rid of then a common cold.
PAINFUL STRUGGLE OF LIFE
I WILL TELL BY AUDIO MSG PLEASE LEAVE ME YOUR WHATS APP NUMBER …..
IT’S NOT EASY #2
It has isolated me. Serious breathing problems,asthma,COPD,congestive heart failure and a nerve condition with hands diagnosed as CRPS. If I was deemed positive for the virus,I probably would not live and thst brings tears to my eyes. I am use to going out 3-4 times a week to the grocery store to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables due to a special diet that has been recommended. The grocery stores are now considered to be the wrong places to go! I have recommended her to FSF which will deliver fresh fruit and veggies to her door as well…
10 (Story #681)
I was forced to move out of my housing at my educational institution. I had to stay with friends that I met while in school, Alcorn State University, until I gathered enough money to afford a plane ticket back home.
#32 I Am Humbled By All My experienes
If I had been going out and about this stay-at-home would be uncomfortable. I have been home for years so it doesn’t bother me. My husband passed in latter March after 57 yrs of marriage,he just fell over from heart issues. My girls and I have to prepare for a tribute to him that consisted of 30 persons. I fractured my hip on December 25th and rehabbed for 50 days. Home Health Care came to my home after my rehab stay. And I have not been able to return for more rehab at the facility due to the virus. So,I…
# 34
Ms Carmen Cirillo is a 74 years young who is fluent in Spanish .However, She can communicate in English. Ms carmen has spent the last 17 years caring for her son’s daughter (17) and son(15).This has come to a halt with her 17 year old Granddaughter. The Granddaughter is expecting baby number 2 January 2021. She has an 18 month old. All though, they spent alot of time at Ms Carmen’s home. The Granddaughter and baby(18mos) live with the expectant Father.Ms Carmen goes grocery shopping once a month and anything else she needs her older daughter will get it for…
# 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)
#63 I don’t Want to leave This Earth As Is
Mrs Johnson is a 95 yr old and she will be celebrating her 96th next week.She is currently living with her daughter, Recently,she was in the hospital with heart failure.She doesn’t want to leave this earth as it is. Prayer is our only key,she said.On Saturday,her grands,great- grands and great-great grands are planning a ride by in celebration of her 96th birthday.She has no fear and believes that America will be resilient/
#22 I Have Enough To Care For Me
This is the most cheery,vibrant 91 yr old ,I know… She only hangs around those who’s attitud e reflects her own..positive and meek. I am a social butterfly so I do miss going to brunch every Friday with my 5 girlfriends(who live on the other side of town) . Even though, she goes out everyday with friends to a commonplace called a greenspace she says she would become depressed if she could not go out daily. She refuses to not dance to her own beat! She has enough to care for herself. She never thought she…
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;…
In search of
My entire way of life has changed. The way I live, the way I move around my community, what I wear when I go outside of my home, the way that I worship all has changed. I ask myself, what is this new normal and will I ever feel safe again? The only thing that I can come up with is uncertainty.
Someone
Unable to make the same paycheck because I belly work
Crazy (Story #111)
Corona has effected my life a lot. I lost my job and money is getting tight.
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…
A New Beginning from The Seemingly End
My mom works in the medical/health field. She goes to private residences everyday and she was over on Palm Beach and she went to see a patient. There are different protocols for people with and without corona diagnosis. She was made aware that neither the patient of her husband had tested positive for it and that they only had pneumonia. She felt fine at first and didn’t think anything of it but the next morning we got a call informing us we were to remain in quarantine for 3 weeks and get tested twice as both the patient and her…
Medical field
I work in the medical field and dealing with the corona virus has made my life very difficult these pass days. I work 12 hours a day at a nursing home making sure nobody is sick. Every day i am nervous about bringing any thing from work to my kids.
Worst. Spring. Break. Ever.
Friday, March 13, 2020. The rumors are flying. Ironically, it’s the students who tell me that school is cancelled. It hit the Twitter feed and spread like wildfire. Seriously, the students told me a good five minutes before the announcement came over the loudspeaker. I’ve been on lockdown at home since March 13, 2020, when we were told by our administration to grab what we needed to work from home and leave campus. I haven’t been back. The transition to online learning has been fairly smooth for me, as our school was part…
Grieving Alone
My father passed away on March 31 of heart failure. He was alone in the hospital room when he should have been surrounded by family. By the time the hospital called my mom to tell her he was not going to make it, it was too late. She arrived at the hospital 10 minutes after he passed. We should have all gathered at our parents’ home and held each other and grieved. Instead, we stood 6 ft. away from our mother on her porch while she sat there and cried.
# 38 Mrs Green Says She Is Doing Her
Mrs Clara Green has been widowed for 35 years young. She has a vibrancy that will knock you off your feet! Mrs Green says that she is Doing Her at 76 years young! The Leadership opened the community too soon. And things are getting worse. Just take a look at Boynton beach a designated HOTSPOT!My advice is the Leadership should have allowed things to cool down.It is keeping the death toll on the rise.She has acquired a brand new lexus and she hasn’t driven it far at all, call her for a ride!Mrs Green has been widowed 35 years.
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 Im 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 .
#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #246)
As a freshmen in college , corona virus has deeply impacted me . My classes are online and my grades are dropping due to the adjusting of it all .
Struggling through the pandemic
My household is made up of my four children ages 11,8,4 and 7 month old along with my husband and I. I stay home to take care of the kids while my he works. My husband works in landscaping, but his hours have been shortened more and more due to the pandemic. This has left us unable to catch up or pay rent. He has been trying to find work and was able to work twenty three days but his boss did not pay him for the work he did so now we are six months behind in rent. This…
College life
Im in college and the corona virus has sent me back home closing campus. I lost my job on campus and now has to depend on my parents. Also the college students dont qualify for the stimulus checks for some reason.
#2 My Wife and I are awaiting the arrival of our FIRST STIMULUS
My Wife and I are awaiting the arrival of our FIRST stimulus payment with alot of anxiety.Some people are now waiting on the SECOND stimulus! Our income together does not exceed $800.00 per month. I was a concrete finisher and i was one of the best. I am an 83 year old man .And I still go out with contractors,when they give me the nudge. They,all.know me! I cannot afford to stop working completely. My wife deserves so much more. Booker and Geneva Wilkins told the world about their undying LOVE on June 26,1954 @ 4:00pm in Cordele,Georgia. They…
#postgraduatereflection
The pandemic began a few months after I graduated college, so it impacted my job search. Most on-site internships were canceled, and organizations were now focusing on cutting back. I am very fortunate to be in a situation where I don’t have to pay rent and utilities, so I’m not experiencing a lot of financial-related stress. Before the pandemic, I was the only one that stayed at home during the day, the dining room table was my office and a place where I could accomplish all of my daily tasks. Now there are five of us at home, so we…
Brought Others Together
People are staying in side, taking correct safety procedures. It’s not as overwhelming because I can get off work and still provide for my family.
#15
My daughter is a Nurse with the Health Department. She told me much earlier about there would be a demanding need for facial protection. I am a seamtress. It gives me great joy and peace ….making sure that all healthcare workers and those in the community are not exposed to the virus through facial masking. A strong enough effort should have been imposed for safety/protection sooner than Now! I have a cousin and her spouse living in Detriot who beat the Corona Virus. I am thankful!
#44 My Son Is Extremely Strict
One of her formal neighbors,he has succumbed to the Virus, It has been so upsetting to know that the perils of this had to come to death. In a Society, that has knowledge such as ours.. I watch my Church on You tube with my Son and his wife. My Son is extremely strict on myself and his wife. It is hard not to abide by the rules and my Son’s rules. It maybe at it’s peak. America is hopefully stable.MY CHURCH HAS VEGAN MEALS DAILY AND MY SON GETS THEM FOR OUR HOUSEHOLD.
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.
I need help
Are used to work under the table when I cant work under the table because I have a son and I cant bring him with me that was the extra money to make me get through the whole month Im not good at school work and I have anxiety issues and Im not good at math or anything they gave him less its just really stressing me out and then Im worried about my family health is a lot
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.
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
#storelimits
Many of the restaurants that I got to allow pick up and delivery which makes it convenient because we won’t have contact. Many stores end up getting so crowded that now many stores have limits on the number of people allowed in stores.
#16 No vaccine
It’s getting adjusted to staying home that bothers me .I go to the gym daily, enjoyed attending church and senior activites w/field trips. The lonliness is driving me crazy at 76 years of age.But it is for the safety and good of the community. The streets are empty and I love walking but I will remain safe in my house, The only place that I must go ; is to get grocery for only me. Florida is heavily populated with Seniors and the Governor should have made the rules more stricter sooner. Because,there is no vaccine.
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…
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…
Help those most in need in Lake Worth and PBC
Our gallery and studio are closed to the public. I come in most days to a thankfully empty town. The only people, for the most part, who are walking the streets are the homeless and those with cognitive disabilities. I drive past the tent city in John Prince Park and it breaks my heart to see so many homeless in close quarters. If nothing is done to help them it is only a matter of time. I worry about Patrick and the folks he feeds and their exposure. I sent this statement out in a letter to someone who might…
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
College
I was in college and had to pick everything i was doing up and move back home for the while. Its all something new to us so i just hope everyone is staying safe.
Quarantine (Story #669)
Coronavirus has really affected a lot of students with their schools near me there are many students taking online classes which havent taken online classes in a while or Coronavirus has really affected a lot of students with their schools dammit there are many students taking online classes which havent taking online classes in a while or dinner or not used to taking online classes and they are struggling I truly believe that theres a method is quite on going I can actually help many people but many students had to take for being a position to be in taking…
COVID 19 struggle
The beginning of 2020 started of great and then as we got more and more into 2020 everything went down hill. COVID 19 came around and changed everything. My family and I have been struggling ever since. Bills have been piling up and hours have been cut from our jobs so were not making as much money. We make it work here and there but sometimes it gets hard and we cant make it work. We need some other form of financial assistance to help provide for me and my family.
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…
LOOKING FOR LIGHT
Hi my name is Darryl Sanders Jr. I am a freelance videographer/photography. I was firstly affected by the closing of venues due to the Corona Virus Outbreak which caused clients to cancel their events therefore forcing me to lose deposits from previously booked event. It has also effected my bookings because no one can have social gatherings for months ahead so i have no source of income to pay my bills at this time. Its also been hard finding groceries and proper sanitation products to keep my environment clean. Also my kids schooling has been effected been effected and i…
Overcoming covid29
Lost my job
The IT World in Present Day
Being an individual who has been in the IT industry for a number of years, it is awarding to see how technology is being used to keep the community and businesses going. It is also overwhelming for those in the IT field because their knowledge is the key to keep everything running.
Corona trap
The corona virus has put me out of work with pay though, so Im good just worried bout my family and friends
No change
The virus really did not effect me that much, other having to wear a mask and gloves while im at work. I never really hung around a large group of people so social distancing was easy. I really see no difference
Life Without Communication
Its has put a hold on my social life with my peers and people inside the community.
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