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.”
#FindingHopeinthePerilsofCorona
The Coronavirus has majorly impacted my family and I. We are active members of our church and I am a teacher that enjoys the presence of my students. I have been teaching for over 16 years and I feel that I impact the lives of my children at work. Many of them come from homes that are not so pleasant. Me not being able to love on them and be that much needed hope, love and encouragement that they need to be able to be in the harmful home. My heart is so bothered by the fact that school was…
Challenging
The Corona virus keeping from joining correctional academy I want to join so its holding me back and Im little scared coming out my house everyday knowing my life at risk.
#JustADayAtATime
Coronavirus has made me gain a lot of patience and helped me have more spare time to bond with my kids. My whole life I’ve worked. Its helped me take things day by day. It’s a challenge as I have my own business. I’m a stylist and I have had customers all week but not any last week. its made me appreciate the things that were once there like going out to eat. It has showed me how serious life is. I’ve gotten a lot of rest…which is rare! Many people around me look at it bad but I see…
Stuck (Story #295)
This pandemic has changed the way I move about. It has, in a way affected my freedom. I still have a choice to move and go as I please but the chance of getting the virus is not one I want to take. Im a person that doesnt do much anyway but this situation has me doing nothing. I would truly like to move freely without the worry of getting sick from the coronavirus.
Hardship
Hi, Im Juanita Hernandez I couldnt pay my bill this month because Ive had a hard time since my two sons moved out. They used to help me out but I also became disabled and I cannot work. I have fibsios of the lungs, Im always in chronic pain. Also, I have a case pending with social security but they havent approved me yet. Its been hard on me and my family. I have a seven year old son, his father died three years ago of cancer and he used to help me out. My older kids father also passed…
StayingHome
I can’t go where I want to go or do anything that I want to do. Everyone is staying home. I left my home to stay with other family as my spouse and I weren’t getting along too well. I had health issues prior to the virus and I did not want to stay with someone in and out of the house. I am not worried because I know that God will handle everything.
Covid Change
I now have to teach my students through virtual schooling. I miss being with them and seeing them daily.
What love Is?
The coronavirus has made me appreciate how valuable life is. Never before this generation experience a global pandemic of this magnitude. We can’t take for granted the seriousness of is situation we are in. To see health workers risk their lives to save others is truly a real expression of love. It must affect them emotionally, pysocologically as well as the fear,concern and anxiety it causes their family. The story of the Doctor facing a custody battle to keep her child in her life is heartbreaking. Yet she is willing to still put forth the effort to help others.
#Tellyourstorypbc (Story #256)
Corona Virus has impacted my life in unbelievable ways. Due to corona I have no senior experience that I truly desired . All senior events canceled , which breaks my heart .
# 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…
#40
There is nothing that can be done about the Virus especially under this administration, I follow the rules. I have plenty to do at home. Although, I go out when I need too. Hope and praying is the key,I lost my 84 yr old oldest Sister to the Virus on March 25th and she will have graveside services on April 20th. It took awhile because her husband was also diagnosed with the Virus . He is a survivor.Her two(2) daughters are essential workers , She has one as a traveling Nurse in Georgia and the other works as a…
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 thats 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…
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
#3 She is still reeling from its affect
Patrick talked about the wait time for Boynton Beach to become a testing site, The wait time he felt was ridiculous especially because it is considered to be a hotspot. One spot was hot for one too many deaths. He blames the local and state government for its response time, Patrick was ruled negative on his COVID19 testing. He drove an 85 year old neighbor to the hospital with a slight case of the virus in March. She is still reeling from its affects. The price of meat has sharply gone wild. And it has affected his ability to purchase…
Progression
On the good side, I can now spend more time with my daughter and perfect my craft. Im using this time to make sure I have the best season possible.
No Title
The pandemic caused me to lose my job and cause me to have depression and anxiety. Being alone is one of the things I do not like about the pandemic. I like being around people because that was one of the ways I copped with my anxiety and depression. I would say that it has gotten worse since the lock-down started.
Missing my Mermaids
I am a Aqua Zumba Dance instructor. Every Sat. I go to 55+ Communities and teach Zumba in the pool. My Mermaids love the class and look forward to it. I feel terrible they are missing maybe the only class they can do. The ages range from 50-90. Hopefully, we can resume the pool classes soon. My Mermaids make me happy and I make them happy.
#9
Mu Mother is 86 yrs of age. She is currently in a nursing facility in New Jersey. It is a relief. She is unable to facetime nor text me . I yearn to hug her and visit with her. Bringing her all of her hearts desires to the facility. I speak with by phone 3 to 4 times per day. I am under quarantine per my doctor due to me helping other elders by transporting them to the hospital for care and church attendance. This has hindered me from ordering food from the grocery stores and getting prepared meals. The…
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.
Limited (Story #590)
The virus causes limitations. This is the first time im visiting Belle Glade/Pahokee, and all ive been is in the house. I was hoping to explore more than i seen
Education vs Corona
The corona virus has mostly impacted the way my daughter is learning. I feel like because I work a lot I am unable to give her the proper education she needs and it bothers me a lot.
# 24 She is Determined To Walk
Ms Shirley Owens has lived in Boynton Beach since July of 1992. Shirley is determined to walk, She has suffered two strokes. Immediately after.her strokes in 2017. She was wheelchair bound. Mrs Shirley has come to terms with her prosthetic eye. She is involved with one of the best Health Care Systems in Palm Beach County PACE. Mrs Owens is very high spirited and a real conversationalist.especially those talks involving her son. Mrs Shirley’s son retired from the Navy 5 years ago. He is now employed with the California Sheriff’s Office as a leader in Cold Cases. Mrs…
Living through Covid
Covid has impacted my life a lot just from the cut down of work and trying to support two babies on my own my 1yr old was supposed to start school but it has been pushed back due to the virus and the school being closed so I had to pay a sitter to watch them their grandmother try to help me with them but shes on dialysis and she cant keep them as often. Im a single mother whos kids fathers was indicted just before this whole pandemic thing got out of hand he was a big help with…
Don’t Take the Little thing for granted.
The days are just not the same. You think you have time to do it all but when something like this hits, you wonder what have I been doing with my time. The Corona Virus has impacted me in ways that are simple but yet so meaningful at this time. The little things that I take for granted like going to the grocery store or dropping by to get a bite to eat is now obsolete. Social distancing from my family and friends have been the worst. I can’t even see my mom like I want right now for the…
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.
EJSJB2020 (Story #49)
This virus has helped me to spend more time with my grandkids and do things around my home that I have been pushing off for a while. It gave me a chance to see America join forces & do things for the greater good of the American People.
Regular
My life hasnt changed at all really. Other than not being at school, I still do the same thing i would if there wasnt a virus, maybe it is because im not very social
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.
Pandemic (Story #372)
When I first found out about the corona virus, I thought that It was going to stay in China and not spread to the United States, I had no idea the horror that lied ahead. Firstly, I heard that It was in my country, then my state, then my county. Soon enough, a kid that goes to palm beach county schools ended up with the corona virus, so the governor decided to close all schools in Palm Beach County. This news came to me with a shock. I was in my math class when doing my work when my teacher…
# 23 Unless We Take Heed
Mrs Annie Moss is a soft spoken 92 year old lady of small stature. She has lived in Port St Luce/Fort Pierce area with her son Jeff for approximately 5 years. Mrs Moss desired to live with her son after a medical illness. Mrs Annie has fears that the virus is here to stay. Unless,we take heed to the masking ,hand washing and staying away from crowds. Mrs Moss has many children and grandchildren living in the immediate area. She was referred to the Faiyh Based CDC for weekly meals starting July 6.
Nothing (Story #844)
I been spending my time fishing, working out and relaxing. I like this break
Oh man this is BADDDDDD!
Coronavirus has truly been a demonic nightmare, not only to the community but for the nation. I have friends who has recently had his father pass away from this man made die-zeez Disease it has made every skeptical, why should we concern about the air we breath when you can’t get NATURAL air anywhere else. The world is trippen. But god isn’t, may he bless you and have mercy.
Worse
The virus got me away from my job and school which are the only things that keeps me sane. I am very disappointed that the states are opening back up because it will only make things much more worse
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
# 36 She Doesn’t hink the Virus Will Ever Go Away
Carol Woodside is an 82 years young native of Kentucky. She has lived in Boynton Beach for over 20 years.Ms Carol has trouble with the use of her legs. So her,mobility, is or can be an issue. ms Woodside continuously has Doctor’s visit to find the cause of her leg issues.She lives alone and never gives up on her just cause.She doesn’t think the virus will ever go away< And she has nw figured out that when she needs to go somewhere she has to go. Ms Woodside has no living relatives in the area.Ms Carol had an issue…
A change needs to be made
The Corona Virus has impacted my Job and my schooling, it caused both my job and school to close down.
#17 The people are being disobedient
The government has been leading the way. It is the citizens not using their common sense to adhere to the rules and laws of the land. The people are being disobedient. The church has been open exposing the elderly population to the virus. I have an aide that come to my home 4 days e week to continuously assist me with my personal
# 31
Brenda Lowe was born and raised in Boynton Beach some 71 years ago. She is married to Eddie Mr Lowe is very cool and mellow.When you see one you pretty much see the other. They enjoy walks,fishing and babysitting their grandchild.Mr Lowe’s are both diabetics. They will have delivered meals from Faith Based CDC BEGINNING July 6.The Lowe’s are willing to except any assistance for water and electric.
The Coronavirus Journey
Being tested POSITIVE for the coronavirus is a grueling journey.The protocol for this outcome was isolation in my room for at least two full weeks. After that, I would have to be tested until I received two consecutive NEGATIVE results before I could return to the workplace. My room is upstairs and no one was allowed to entire without a mask and gloves on. The sources of nutrition were left at the bottom of the stairs for me, and once I was finishd eating, the dishes were put back on the stairs for removal. I felt like a leper. Slowly,…
I am going through, moving forward, and discovery new activities.
I have not been able to participate in several of my favorite activities, swimming, Zumba Yoga and walking in the park. But I am encouraged , I read more, clean out my closets, (I am gathering things that I don’t need or want, and I am looking forward to getting them out of my space.) I am journaling, and I crotchet and I reach out to family and friends and friends who are family more frequently. (I text, call and/or email.) I spend quality listening to music.
# 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.
How Coronavirus Impacted My Life
The Coronavirus has impacted my life in multiple ways. My daily activities as modified. I have to take precaution everywhere and with everyone. My work life and family life has changed. They way we shop has changed. I no longer eat out or visit places with large crowds. My business has even taken a impact. My daughter is a high school senior and her senior year has been ruined, no Grad Night, Prom and possibly graduation may not take place. The lines at the stores are long and many of them are out of supplies and its difficult to obtain…
Education in the world
This virus scared me and helped me realize more is going on in the world than I know. It showed me I was unprepared for the change and the time. I experienced unemployment. It was not pleasant. The lesson I learned in life was I need to research whats going on in the world and to be more responsible and cautious. I would consider the virus negative because of the horrible effects of it but I would also consider it positive because it is causing people to wake up and come together as a whole, while practicing social distancing.
Single Mother Struggles in Covid19
I am affected by not having a job to provide and pay my bills on time and also not having money to barely feed my son as a single mother to a 6 year old child who is now home schooled due to social distancing.
Grandchildren education
My grandchildren are now taking online classes but my daughter is an essential worker shes a care giver and while shes working i have my grandchildren the education online is not really hands on so i dont think its really benefiting my grandchildren
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.
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
#21 Hope Keeps Us Moving’
This pandemic has made me grateful for the technology in our lives Today! The ability to text ,face time and message at a more matured age has certainly been a blessing. This may encourage more Seniors to become more technical at least with their phones.. I have been able to stay in communication with my 99 yr old Mother in an assisted living facility in Colorado. We.all understand, that there is no entering nursing/assisted living facilities at this time. He would like to one day show gratitude to those essential workers in grocery stores,banks ,restaurants and nursing homes who…
New Normal: there is some good!
This deadly virus has completely impacted interactions with social distancing. Balancing between work and home schooling my son has been challenging and rewarding all at once. My son is extremely active so I was apprehensive about keeping him engaged but I have been pleasantly surprised. The challenge isn’t so much home schooling as much as finding activities post-virtual school, that don’t involve leaving the house, outside of watching TV and reading books. He has taken an interest in cooking which has been great and we have come together as a family, breaking bread and playing board games together.
#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…
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