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.”
#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.
Sorry for everyones loss
I really dont care about it as long as my family is good, I quit football so like it dont effect me in that way anymore but it sucks that people have died from it
Mother prayers
Hello my name is Rita brown Smith the virus impacted my mother funeral with no family could come see her laid so beautiful to rest as she fought for her life 97 years on this earth lord knows I miss my mother
#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.
Restaurant (Story #645)
Coronavirus has run to pick and pack in my life Im a big guy and I love to eat I play football at University of Central Florida and with everything Ive been closed out all the good restaurants Im currently losing weight which Im 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 dont 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 Cant can the…
Tired
I am just trying to survive, I can’t work because I am disabled and just not trying to catch the virus. I hope i don’t have it or get it, I pray to god everyday.
Hope still lives
During the pandemic I had to stop working but my husband continued to work. Since we were living on one paycheck we couldn’t pay our bills or even take care of basic necessities like food and gas. But youth empowered to prosper started a food pantry that helped us soo much that we didnt need to buy food. We could focus our funds on paying Bill’s and etc. I then started to volunteer because of how they have helped my family. and assist others with getting food. though I filed for both unemployment and food stamps but…
It dont stop nothing
The corona hasnt 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 dont because hes away from football and his friends
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…
Trusting God through it all.
Corona virus has impacted my life for the bad as well as the good. Ive been out of work twice and hours have been cut. Me being a felon makes it even harder due to jobs being limited which had me wondering how would I pay bills and take care of my responsibilities. Now Im witnessing my little cousin who has asthma suffer greatly which is hurting my heart. Despite the bad that has occurred the one good thing that has happened to me, is me witnessing how good God is. He has shown me all I ever have…
Starting adult life on the wrong foot |EJSLW2020
Due to COVID-19 many youth may be happy or relieved because they can partake in schooling online which means more time to sleep, flexibility and convenience. As for me being an 18-year-old senior I do not posses those same feelings. COVID-19 put me at an odd limbo, I will not only miss out on events that are the culmination (prom and graduation) of high school but college as well. COVID-19 put an unwanted and unexpected gap in my transition from adolescence to adulthood and to add insult to injury the government has yet to devise a plan for college…
Need a little bit of money
I bearly have time to go shopping and my work is almost closing
Horror movie
The corona virus has send me back home from school. I cant workout and things just are very hard because I am away from my friends this is very scary because people are dying.
My child has the virus and lives out of state
I just found out that my son who works at a hospital in Pennsylvania has contracted the COVID-19 virus and has been in the hospital for a week. The cane season just ended and I want to go and check on my son. He tells me that he is doing fine and not to come. I am so scared for my son but I am grateful that I can still talk to him.
Concern about the corona virus crisis
This crisis make us scare everyone. We are unable to hug friend and family. This crisis turn the world upside down no one knows when it’s going over
In need of help
I recently have been going through a lot Im behind in my water bill I have 5 kids with me I been laid off of work and dont have any income coming in.
# 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.
new normal
In my new job, i have a new appreciation for technology to keep the lines of communication open. I don’t feel totally isolated with working remotely.
# 30 She Is Delighted To Be Receiving $195 in Food stamps
Mrs Janet Harris (80) is a native of Michigan. Mrs Janet came to Boynton Beach nearly 30 years ago to raise her son and daughter.Mrs Janet says she has worked 3 jobs to finally pay off her home in Boynton . She has had cousins in Michigan die from this pandemic.Mrs Harris says she reflects on home and misses it so during times like these.She is delighted to be receiving $195 in Food Stamps monthly.Mrs harris could use assistance with her water utility.
Corona suck but social injustice is worse
Sadly corona is the last thing I am worried about right now with all this social injustice going on in the world, all 50 states are protesting literally and no one is worried about corona
Im broke
Man this corona virus really sucks Im out of work and have no money. I really cant deal with this seriously man I am so thankful that my parents are still working and could help me, we need to find a answer for this
Trusting in God and Being Wise
Coronavirus has restricted me from leaving the house. Its actually made me have to spend more money on grocery. We have to prep more food for the house. I am still working. I work in a job that involves entering homes. My supervisors are being more strict and cautious. We ask people how they are feeling sick wise before we go in. People can lie and I just have to rely on my best judgment. I always wash my hands, wear a mask, and not touch my face before going in. As soon as I get off I shower and…
EJSJB2020 (Story #31)
I have to find funds to fed my family and going to the stores is a scary thing. Work has been slow and when trying to support others its hard because of the distance we have to keep
Life During Covid19
The corona virus has financially impacted my family. Throughout the course of Covid19, Ive spent a very large amount of money in continuing hopes of feeding my family at home and making sure that theyre clothes are clean. Due to stock markets failing and stores running out of certain products, it is difficult to get certain things such as cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towel, etc. Many people are also making sure that theyre supporting their loved ones, so theyre buying so much things leaving almost none for the next person. Its also been a really tough time for me…
No Man Is an Island
I am an eighty two old diabetic that lives with my sister and brother in law. I am totally blind and suffer from extreme nephropathy and have difficulty with mobility. I have limited socialization and look forward to the socialization through attending church and the monthly senior activity sponsored by the Community Caring Center. The Stay at Home order has made it more difficult to have the socialization that is needed for elderly people.
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…
You dont what youre missing until you are forced to see it!
The corona virus has made me realize that money and material things are worth nothing if you dont have the health to enjoy it! I have also realized how precious it is to be able to stay at home and not go to work, allowing me to spend more time with my family. The small things that you really didnt take note of that matters the most.
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.
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.
Normality
Corona virus has sent all my friends back home since I am from where my school is. We didnt get to have a graduation but other than that everything is still normal here people arent even worried about covid anymore
#6 Prepared Meals
The virus has not given me an opportunity to visit my wife my of over 40 years. SO.i must solely depend on the nursing facility to care for her, not being able to lay my eyes on her is very frustrating for her as well as for me. I, not only miss her, voice but her gently calling my name and praying with her, This virus should be calm by now. But the leadership of this country is does not place value on our lives. I.must depend on charitable organizations for prepared meals and it is a mystery to know…
# 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…
Trying to be still with the virus
The corona virus has impacted my life in many ways:1. I was supposed to have surgery on April 22,2020 to help repair my vision, but it was postponed.2. My daughter now has to do therapy sessions at home with masks on.3. I am also not able to work because due to risk of being infected or infecting my client.4. My family is also affected by the corona virus because everyone is feeling overwhelmed.
N/A (Story #307)
I wouldnt say it impacted my life but it help be bond more an more with god an find out who I am as as a person.
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,…
Let it stop
I cant believe how long this has been going on. Im ok I go where I need to. The only thing I really concerned with, is when the open up the beaches again. I just hope that number doesnt go any higher.
Prayers
This virus has been nothing but trouble. It seems like i cant get nothing right in life at the moment. But ill keep on praying and have faith its going to get better
Times call for buying a Gun
Through the year, I’ve been thinking about my home, safety, unrest, what I would do if someone broke in at night. I hadn’t shot or owned a gun in over 20 years but went to a concealed carry course the other day and am looking for a gun to put in a safe place in the house only I can access in case the worst happens.
Kristyn Cox – TEST
TEST
4 (Story #568)
the Corona virus had taught me how to be more understanding and great ful
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.
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 wasnt right ! I got admitted to labor and delivery after 13 hours of waiting still not knowing whats 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…
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.
Bills
My job was making things and product hands on THATS how I was making money by making clothes and plenty other things but less movement and stores clothes less money
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.
COVID-19 in the City by the Sea
May,20202020 had begun so happily as all New Years do! A two week visit with our daughter and one year old granddaughter had been a joy! February birthday celebrations , Valentine love and of course intense Black History remembrances! Whispers of a deadly virus in China had caught my attention from the MSNBC news coverage since mid January. But that was somewhere else for someone else to be concerned with. In passing, I asked my daughter to be careful going through the airports from Md. on February 2 with my granddaughter because of a new virus outbreak amongst travelers.As…
PAINFUL STRUGGLE OF LIFE
I WILL TELL BY AUDIO MSG PLEASE LEAVE ME YOUR WHATS APP NUMBER …..
#Quarantined
I cant go nowhere and I have to Be in the house all day.
Corona vs bills
It impacts my life with my bill without my job I have to find away to pay all my bills thats the point of me getting a job to pay bill
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 .
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