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.”

# 26 She has served her community well

Mrs Schley is lifelong resident of Boynton Beach and a proud ST Paul AME member whose Aunt sold the present property to the church for $10 in 1951.. She has also served in the pulpit as a Minister at ST Paul AME.Mrs Mildred lost her youngest child ,Vernell (37) in August 1996. She was left with 4 sons and 1 daughter. Mrs Schley has served her community well as a beautician(mine as a child),a paraprofessional at one of the local Elementary schools near her home. Mrs Mildred walked to work.When you heard her laughter you could point to…
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Family time (Story #734)

The Corona virus has gave me an opportunity to work from home, this time has let me spend more time with my family.
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Dynamic Pandemic

It made me realize that hard times are real & life is so much more serious.
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Recovery (Story #830)

It is bittersweet. It restricts me from being around alot of friends but it also allows me to focus more on my recovery. Last season I got hurt before the first game, so i’m using the time to come back better and stronger
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School (Story #600)

Coronavirus has stopped me from going to school and participating in summer classes I struggle with taking online classes for the spring or sometime in May and my family decided that we will no longer participate in summer classes in my community Bellglade we have a problem with quarantining and things are turning upside down I truly believe coronavirus I started it operate in my community and only we can fix it.
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#8 I’m not scared…Just be smart…Don’t ignore it!

In 2013,Mr& Mrs Cotant moved to Boynton Beach from Winters in Vermont. It was January 27,2020,that Pam’s husband transitioned. This has left an everlasting void in her life after 27 years of marriage.Pam says she has takes the COVID19 serious especiallu after watching the nightly news. She does not frequent any stores (shops on- line at Walmart).just the post office where I only drop letters.Late in the afternoons ,I spend time on my patio with a couple of friends.I keep myself occupied with Tai Chi (zooming through the Area Agency). In talking with my adult son, his…
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Covid 19 impact

Corona virus impacted my life in a major way , 38 weeks pregnant and had no idea I was a victim ! I went to the hospital because of Severe cramps to the stomach and body Aches I knew something wasn’t right ! I got admitted to labor and delivery after 13 hours of waiting still not knowing what’s wrong but my baby was not accelerating at the correct pace even more nervous I contact my children father because now I feel alone and helpless telling him to pack his bag and the things we will need for…
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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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I’m Trying Times Don’t Quit Trying

In everything give thanks. I am at risk because of my age and thank god not because I have a medical conditions. One thing I miss is going out to dinner. I ate out at least 3 times a week. I also miss the children at the school where I volunteer. Now, I will share a story. The following week after the Pandemic started there were 3 little boys that knocked on my door this was around 8:30 pm on a Thursday night and asked if I would give them some food. I recognized them from the community but I…
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Corona Troubles

Because of corona virus I am working less hours which affects paying bills.
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# 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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Children

Due to the corona virus i have to watch my kids at home. The price of food these days is crazy and i do not receive government Assistance. Not saying i dont want to feed my kids im just saying they need to get these kids back in school.
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Confusing,Confusion, Confused.

My family has changed its dynamics since the virus was considered a problem for my community. My son, who was working in a foreign country was forced to leave. Although he had planned to relocate to another country, all borders have been closed, so he is coming back to the U.S.A., and plans to be quarantined for awhile. Of course, he will live with me, his sister and my grand-daughter. This will put a strain on our monetary resources, but, unlike others, we do have a place to live at the moment. At…
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#covidstory

My grandfather had a stroke and was in the hospital for 15 days, only my grandmother could visit because of covid restrictions. I have three younger sisters, all who do online school, while my grandmother was visiting my grandfather during the day, I had to watch my sisters. It was an extremely stressful time and he still isn’t 100% recovered.
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Covid sucks

Corona virus has ruined everything for me literally, parents can’t work so idk how we are going to get money and I am away from school so I’m not doing what I love most
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#26 I Just Don’t Know

She had a total knee replacement 3 yrs ago . She has suffered with pain and the ability to not be able to be independent at the age of 73 yrs old as result of her knee surgery, She has been limited movement and has been at home for the exception of Dr.’s appts .Her feeling about the virus are I just don’f know. Her daughter provides her all her needs .She feels extremely safe at home.
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#65

Mr Thompson says That he and his Wife aren’t fearful. However,they are witnessing relatives and friends with this fear. The Fear of not knowing how and why is consistently on the World’s mind.He says.people are using the mask and gloves incorrectly. By the way,mrs Thompson is a retired nurse.
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Horror movie

The corona virus has send me back home from school. I can’t workout and things just are very hard because I am away from my friends this is very scary because people are dying.
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New Normal

The corona virus has caused me to work from home utilizing technology to work and interact with people. Although it’s been nice to be able to work from home, I realize that I am not prepared for a crisis of this magnitude and I am a single person. I went from eating out to buying groceries and eating from home. Being from Florida, you are accustomed to preparing for hurricanes but this takes it to another level. Living in western palm beach county, I am concerned that our communities are not prepared for a health crisis…
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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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Hard work

Due to covid-19 I been working a lot more as an essential employee.The outside is closed but Walmart still has me working.
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#67

I am petrified and overwhelmed about what we have gotten ourselves into. I am a Bahamian and I have been in Boynton Beach for over 50 years. This, I cannot ,fathom. I came here for the best of everything, I do not enjoy cooking, the virus has made eating out a thing of the past. the government should not be opening up pblic gathering spots sos soon at least until most have been tested.
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A caring husband

In my story covid19 and my wife being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian and colon cancer. With her not working and me unable to work due to Covid have placed us in a bind. Please assist
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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.
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Seperated

My oldest son splits time between our house and his moms. He is at his moms and I go down to visit him once a week. We take a social distance walk around his neighborhood. We miss him and it’s hard not having him here some of the time.
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Sharing purpose.

Now with Coronavirus waking people up and they are more motivated to explore gardening, growing foods and thinking about food and diet as sources of diseases. Because of this, I’ve connected to new people in ways that feels more purpose driven on both sides, which wasn’t necessarily there previously. I hope the motivation lasts.
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Pandemic affect

It has caused an enormous amount of stress for me in many ways. And has impacted the life’s of my family and myself. with the schools being closed, I’ve been forced to cut hours at work. Which has created another problem. (Financially ) I have also notice my utilities has gone up significantly due to the stay in home order. The kids are are not fully engaging into virtual learning. Most kids are hands on learners and are used to school like environments. witnessing my children which are a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grader confined has been…
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#48 Nothing is in our Hands

I am a cancer survivor. I also have respiratory concerns. I have learned during this pandemic to use technology to communicate with my Kingdom Hall family. I an using zoom and facetime . which makes me feel accomplished! The message is to continue to be obedient and working together with and friends, I am 75 yrs of age,I do need assistance with eye medication. I will make a referral for her at a local family owned pharmacy. Her food needs are being met by her sons.Lastly, she says,:Nothing is in our hands.
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Lockdown

It is very tiresome to have to stay isolated. It’s also scary to think I may catch the virus.
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Seniors Co’2020

The Corona Virus has impacted my life in many was. It really hit us class of 2020 seniors we not only have to weeks of and tons of school work on line but we won’t be able to enjoy our senior year how everyone else have No grad bash no grad night no prom and the most important thing that ment the world to most of us something that we all worked hard to do was walk across that stage. And because of Covid19 we won’t be able to do any of the following. This was our 2020 senior year…
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FAU Honors College Student Contracts COVID-19 While Working as an EMT

I am an EMT who was infected with COVID-19, this experience has forever changed my appreciation for life and my family. Earlier in the year when news of this virus first started emerging, I kept telling myself it would not affect us, that it would only be temporary. I am a neuroscience student at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU. My life was pretty normal at that point, I was attending classes, interning at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and working my regular hours on the weekends. Then spring break came around, my boss briefed us…
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Staying heathy

The virus has affect alot of my community senior and lot of the kids having to be inside alot .myself lose work and found working is hard to go out and look for work .and trying to keep bills payed and staying healthy.
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#70

The virus is the nastiest thing that has plagued America.There is no more face to face socialization,no gatherings,events and worship.Who would have thought this?No place should stand alone . States opening their doors should not be. For united we stand divided we fall….. I am bound my other’s caring for me.
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Stuck (Story #836)

The virus had me stuck in the bahamas because my people are too scared of me to fly back to Miami
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Impact of COVID-19

Because of the corona virus my wife can not go to work. we feel very stress because we don’t know who has the virus and who doesn’t have it. I am trying to stay away from group of people as much as i can. I am even scare to go to the grocery store. We can not to to church. The kids are at home and the want to eat every minutes, so the food doesn’t last.
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The cornoa virus an unexpected life experience

The corona virus has impacted me because I have to stay in the house more and I am usually an outgoing person. Another way it has impacted me because I am unable to go to work, and I work in the cafeteria at a middle school. I am also having to babysit my 3 year old grand daughter because her daycare is closed.
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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.
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My darkest days

It’s Ben worst two weeks of my life and my mom passed away I had to bury her. The pastor cancel so did the church then cemetery was giving issues also , my mom service went from 10-1pm to barely 11:30 I was hurt and I had to make turn away because we got stop by the police they only let 10 family members in only 10 mins this is worst feeling in the world , the virus has ever ybody scared to leave the house not even show up to my mom funeral
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Ms. Naica Stories

Because of the coronavirus I have to work from home. One of my best friends dad got the virus and its kinda scary to know that someone that I know got the disease.
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Half full (Story #798)

Corona virus has bought me closer to my family more than ever before, it cancelled my spring which sucked because I really wanted to prove myself to coach but it’s all good
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#8

I never thought that I would have to be in protective gear like gloves,facial covering to run to the grocery to pick-up a few items and to come home an cautiously take off all the clothing you wore to the grocery store and disinfect your car, home and more importantly your body after arriving back from the grocery or any place else. This is like a nightmare that could have been avoided by all leaders agreeing to freeze the movement of its people in a timely manner.
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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.
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My son doesn’t live with his family anymore wptv news

Since the coronavirus has started my son has been going to his grandma‘s house Monday through Friday. The amount of work he gets from school at 6 to 8 hours my husband and I don’t see him until the weekend. And my son was OK with it at first but now he goes into the bathroom at his grandmothers house and cries he doesn’t want to be separated from his family and he’s literally shipped out of his house all week our family unit has been divided as I work full-time and his dad works full-time and neither of us…
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To hardships

My family income due to the virus is impacted as our only source of income is lyft
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8

Cory 19 impact my life is that I’m home not working can I pay all my bills miss all my friends social distance miss my family so it’s a lot to deal with but you know we have to do what we have to do and make sure that we are safe
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#56 I Have fished every Saturday

This has had a terrible impact on my employment,Seniors that I have worked with closely, fishing and comraderie.My employment has been hampered in such times and maybe that’s a calling for my retirementI dedicated my employment to enhance the life of our local Senior Citizens physically,socially and mentally.Fishing is the most enjoyable hobby I have. And I am not able to fish. I have fished every Saturday for years. I.myself. have lost relatives to this horrible virus.
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