For me COVID-19 has been one of those life events that creeps in slowly, unaware of the toll it will take until the damage has been done. I am one of those people that looks out for others and takes care of everyone else before I take care of myself. This global pandemic has taught me that behaviors like that take the largest toll because you don’t see the consequences until they’re upon you. In March, at the beginning of quarantine my first priority were my mom & my son. My son was quarantined at home with me and my mother lives across the street. She’s 77 years old, a 2 time cancer survivor that’s on chemo meds that have her immune system compromised. She still works as a hairdresser but my brother and I made the decision to isolate her for her safety. We also decided to take over her household expenses so that she wouldn’t be worried about rushing back to her salon which was ordered closed anyway. Shortly after that, in early April, I took in a former student that was home from college for quarantine and has a strained relationship with her mother. It didn’t take long before I saw a significant increase in my household expenses; utilities & groceries increased greatly. Then, from the additional wear & tear, household items began to give out. First my mother’s air conditioner, then my own. Next a water pipe exploded in my mother’s bathroom causing a flood and her refrigerator conked out too. My brother was soon unable to contribute anymore as his car and his wife’s care needed major repairs. I still didn’t worry as I was on top of all those additional expenses at first but then they just continued to mount month after month. I asked for a reprieve from my mortgage company but by the time the was period was finished, the expenses had piled up and my savings had been depleted. So fast forward to now, I’m currently behind on my mortgage for the month of August ($1280) and it’s time to pay September’s mortgage too. I have a past due FPL bill in the amount of $743.37 as I have only been paying the past due amount to keep afloat. I realize that there are so many others that are struggling out there but I too have found myself in the position of hardship. I hesitated to even submit this story but I figured it may resonate with someone else out there that is the helper who needs help during these very trying times.
My story shows we need to: --
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 to do is trust in Him and He will provide and make ways for me when all else seems impossible. I also was able to reevaluate myself with the time I had when I wasnt working. Ive made some changes that were needed and was unaware I even had. Ive Had time to focus on my organization I plan on starting and was even able to do a lot of work around the house I normally wouldnt have time for. Its scary with all those going on, anything can happen anytime to anyone but God is good and able.
It Gets Better Later
The corona virus has impacted my life by ruining my senior year i couldnt really enjoy school for the remaining of the year we didnt 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 its like you cant enjoy life no more .
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.
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 resources here in the glades area, My mind began to overfill with survival thoughts and what to do next. I began to pray and recite the many attributes Ive carried with me all my life. What god has for me, it is for me., Just have faith the size of a mustard seed. As the days went by, I spent my free time learning more about myself, like finding talents I didnt know I had. Hidden talents including hydro dipping shoes and drawing custom pictures on pants. My talent not only became a small hustle for me but I was doing something I love. Social distancing has been hard for me because I am a social person and love hanging out with friends. Despite the many changes the pandemic has caused, Im still standing tall and try to accomplish nothing less than greatness .
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.
Unemployed
The virus caused me to experience unemployment. I was unable to get/maintain a job during this time. I am also stuck at home without anything to do. I dont like going out with masks as well. It just makes it harder to breathe and talk in them.
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.
# 28 Our Hands Are Cuffed
Miss King is also a lifelong resident of Boynton Beach. Jackie had her house built next door to the home where she was raised. Her sister,Angela, lived in the family home(next door to hers) until 2018. Angela died in the home. Jackie is still reeling the affects of her sister’s death. You ,very seldom ,saw one without the other.Jackie volunteered with the CCC delivering Healthy Meals to seniors,visits them in nursing facilties and hospitals and Jackie is very passionate about the care and self-worth! Mrs King transports them to pick-up medication and grocery shopping.Jackie has two sons Selwyn(39) and Eric(45). Communities and leaders have ignored this pandemic. Our hands are cuffed .We can no longer go out to fellowship with those we would like to share love and attention . Mrs King could use help with her Electric and Water utilities.
# 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.