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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#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!
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#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…
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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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#avoidandrecover

I want to go too fast-food restaurants but I’m not sure I can because the person preparing the food could have been infected with the coronavirus. I sometimes wonder if there is ever going to be a cure for the coronavirus because there are just so many cases. Many doctors and firefighters and other people trying to help people avoid and recover from the coronavirus.
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# 13 Her Frony Needs A Make-Over It is dangerous to walk over!

Mrs Dowdell just celebrated her 86 birthday on May 19th. She was elated to have a parade of phone calls from her Church in honor of her birthday! Mrs Carmetta lives alone and has for over 20 years. Long ago,she buried her husband and son.She has a niece who lives in Virginia that she can go live with at any time but shy away. Her niece earnestly adores her Aunt. Mrs Dowdell contributed to her receiving a Law Degree. Every August,she travels to Canada to visit her two sisters (78 yrs & 77 yrs), brother(85 yrs) and Grandson. But…
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Stress

Its impacted my life alot. I work from home now. I fear for my childrens and my health everyday. I fear our residents and employees will be affected in a negative way. A lot of stress
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Best part of my day.

Where do I start! Almost every aspect of my life’s schedule has been altered. Monday-Friday had the same schedule- gym, get kids and self ready for school/work, drop them off and then head to work all before 7am. At 7:15am, Is my favorite part of the day- I had the privilege of opening the Village Academy’s secondary gates to greet the students. There I would receive smiles, hugs, fist bumps and many check in conversations. I miss the daily connection with my students. My students need it! Many come from homes where they are unable to form connections with their…
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I need help

Are used to work under the table when I can’t work under the table because I have a son and I can’t bring him with me that was the extra money to make me get through the whole month I’m not good at school work and I have anxiety issues and I’m not good at math or anything they gave him less it’s just really stressing me out and then I’m worried about my family health is a lot
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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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Cov-19

I find myself lacking in health and wellness and has resulted to eating and sleeping more.
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We need a solution

The corona virus has put me out of work and now I’m home with my bad kids. But this is a really scary time for the world and we need to act and find a solution quick
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God’s got my family back

Me,my mother, and brother been out of work for 4 weeks now. I am part timer so I don’t get any PTO. So we have been about how we’re going to pay our bills.
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Virus (Story #430)

The virus impacted my life by changing it totally. Right now, I am suppose to be in college taking classes. Instead I am at home talking online classes. My outside activities are limited because of the stay at home order the governor issued. The virus impacted my mood, I am getting more depressed when I am locked inside.
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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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Quarantined (Story #686)

This virus has affected my life because I am not able to go out into public as often as before. I was not able to take courses in-person at my college. My family and I have been cooking at home instead of going out for food. My gym is closed so I haven’t been able to workout. It has been a complete change in my lifestyle.
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#Night job

I work at night. I stay home don’t 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 don’t have or can’t go get it.
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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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EJSJB2020 (Story #NA)

COVID 19 has made an impact on me and my family. We’ve been struggling to keep up with our bills and provide for my family and I. My hours at work have been cut back due to COVID and I don’t get paid as much as I did before COVID. So trying to provide everything for my family is kinda hard.
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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…
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The Fierce Women

I’m pregnant and the Corona virus has stopped work for me and my child.. my source of income has been put on hold. I’m afraid to give birth in these circumstances.
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It Gets Better Later

The corona virus has impacted my life by ruining my senior year i couldn’t really enjoy school for the remaining of the year we didn’t have no senior prom , grad bash , And most importantly not even graduation. Corona virus even killed one of my close friend mom it was a devastating moment because it came out of no where and it was to late to even cherish the last moment we had with her . It continues to impact my life because the world has been caged in and it’s like you can’t enjoy life no more .
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The Big Chill

It is allowed me and my family the ability to slow down and take a breathe. I hope the rat race never starts up again.
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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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Multiple-family social distancing

When we first heard about social distancing it sounded overwhelming to think that we would be away from extended family and friends for an undetermined length of time. A good friend and I decided that we would combine our families and social distance together. We made a commitment that we would not expose ourselves or our families to other people outside of our 10 person combined family. This has afforded us the opportunity to have the children play together, go to each other’s houses for a break, get some work done when necessary and have social interaction with people other…
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My Story (Story #938)

My StoryI am Janette Lopez, I’m a single mother. I live with my mother, sister and 12 year old son. We all four caught the virus covid 19. Till this day we are still recovering. Unfortunately, I’m not able to work yet because I am still sick and taking medications. My family and I are very grateful for this foundation. Thank you for paying my previous month’s rent. And for continuing to support my family and I through the month of June. I am very grateful, Thank you for everything. –Janette Lopez
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I’m talking about essential paces not the beach!

Ms Earlina Hollis has been a native of Boynton Beach for the past 71 years. She is the 4th oldest of 13 siblings. Her mother,Eva Hollis 96 , also lives in Boynton Beach. Ms Earlina, quickly stated, that they are opening up too soon and my fear is that the virus will come back with a vengeance!I don’t own a car and I walk to my Mom’s every morning to prepare her breakfast. This corona virus is very serious, We must give it time to heal. Get out when you need to and do not go anywhere…
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World on fire

Corona Virus caused me to not have a pro day which really hurt my chances of getting a shot at the NFL. The corona virus is the last thing we’re worried about right now because the world is literally on fire and our president is a lunatic
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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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Home Alone.. with kids

Currently I am working home full time while trying to maintain 3 school aged kids. My youngest is in 1st grade and had limited reading/spelling and computer skills without needing constant attention. This is very frustrating.
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#14

I ,actually, feel that I had the virus after a 10 day cruise in December of 2019 which took me and my girlfriends to Aruba and Panama. I got home immediately saw my Doctor and was given antibiotic with bed rest…I was unable to leave the house for two weeks. So,now, I feel immuned to this virus. I am self-quarantined and have no fear. I am appalled at our government for there lagging feet to stop the spread.
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Corona (Story #655)

Coronavirus has any impact in my community a lot shops stores restaurants has been closed things are starting to open it slowly but they still going back a lot a bit cases work
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Praying that a change is going to come!!!

Since the pandemic began it’s truly been hard on myself and family these past several months. Before the covid-19 I recently received not 1 but 2 parttime jobs with the Palm Beach County School District. Now I’ve been unemployed since March 13, 2020 all due to that all schools are closed due to this pandemic. Immediately after we were notified that we were going to be unemployed I reached out to all my bill collectors notifying them that I was currently let go due to the pandemic. They said it was fine whenever I can pay just submit a payment….
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Limited (Story #840)

The only thing changed is not being able to see my Dad side of the family as much as I use to. I live with my mom and my dad lives 1 hour away. I use to go every weekend but now they both are scared for me to travel with the fear of contracting the virus.
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Life Interrupted

Well my husband was temporarily laid off and we were applying for unemployment and have had many worries about money but we are grateful to be healthy, we are staying home so we will will stay healthy.
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Corona (Story #910)

Hello my name is Michelle Rhoden since Corona had came along I had been forced to leave my job to watch my grand baby my husband work all day and he manage to pay all bills for the house due to me having no income coming in I have a hard time paying for things that we need for the house baby clothes and diapers. I would love to be able to help my husband out for our household I have no help from my daughter what’s so ever.
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#45

At my home,we have been preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. My house is petrified of the effects of this Virus. we are confined only to the perimeters of our home. In February,we made sure that my daughter (who lives elsewhere),Mother-in-Law and Nephews were taking care of with all the cleansers,disinfects, and supplies needed for a pandemic as discussed with us by my brother-in-law that lives in England.Remember our national leader says that this is a HOAX.
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Housing Assistance

Hello there. I am a recently divorced Mother of three beautiful Daughters. I have been a long time business owner in the county of Palm Beach. I am at my wits end. Due to COVID19 The Beauty Lounge that’s my business is inside of was temporarily closed. That was my only income. I do not receive child support or any other help financially. Furthermore, As of this evening I have not received my stimulus check, have not received any type of Covid unemployment although applying numerous times. Although my business is allowed to re-open this week I am an…
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#18 The Great Unknown

Her favorite cousin’s husband transitioned at a Nursing Home in Chicago,ILL from the Corona Virus.The impact right now is extremely overwhelming for her. She is unable to see her 11 yr old and 13 yr old Grands. Her Son,who is unemployed, due to the Virus, Because,he is employed as an entertainer.This virus,she says, has changed her entire life! she is so baffled. This has so swiftly taken over our lives, It.s like a World War …The Great Unknown! So,she continues her gardening to attract the most beautiful Florida butterflies including my favorite,The Monarch. This is a hobby that…
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#49 I hope my Community Is safe:

She is a 79 yrs old Boynton resident and loves everything country. She feels that the Corona Virus is scaryI She hopes her neighborhood and community are safe,she sits outside daily near her front door with other family members. Her prays that hr younger son is safe while he is in a state institutionHer oldest son makes sure she has all that is required during this pandemic.
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#59 They Know They Will Pass

The nation has become unstable. Which is due to a multitude of opinions as to when America should open up for business.You’re unable to go anywhere. I Have lived in my family’s home with my Dad all my life. I am a Middle-School Science Teacher.. Her student population is 94.However,she has only 51 students logging on for distant learning. She saidthey know they will pass this school year.She has some immune issues. So,she has to be extra careful. She is a caregiver for her 81 yr old Father.He has a mild case of dementia and has under gone surgery.
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#61 Stay Home

Ms. Rowe feels as though the Government can do a little more. Doesn’t know where this comes from. Its’ real out here! People are trying to stay home , The streets are deserted,She is a health Care worker. and sees the devastation of this disease.Her advice STAY HOME!
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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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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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100 Days of Solitude

I wonder how much unlimited data on my phone plan really means. Ever since the beginning of this self-isolation era, I’m sure people have turned to their phones and their home wi-fi to ride this wave of corona virus-related news. I know everyone must be watching their Netflix, having Zoom conferences, virtual classes and virtual happy hours, and calling their people to ask them what they’re doing for the umpteenth time that day. As for me, I didn’t realize until now how crucial my phone has become to staying connected and keeping sane in a moment where staying home is…
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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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