Vulnerable: The community is vulnerable

Covid Hardship

I Francisca Maria Meza Lopez, am not working. My husband works three to four days per week, due to the covid-19 pandemic he’s not working often. Please forgive me for bothering you regarding this matter, but i need help. i have three children, two boys and a girl that’s one month old. I am in need of diapers, baby wipes, food and detergent to wash their clothes etc. Please forgive me for asking this way but i need your help. God bless you.

Traversing Uncharted Spaces

2020 was a year of FORCED creativity as a result of a global health pandemic causing entire countries to shelter at home to prevent the spread of the virus. While shut in at our homes, we witnessed the horrific murder of Mr. George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a White police officer which erupted in a racial pandemic which has been suppressed as a result of hundreds of Black lives taken, senselessly. In addition, there was an emergence of technological advancements, proficiencies, and accelerated growth as we shifted our minds and hearts to execute the simple tasks that were no longer options in our COVID environment.

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.

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Well, I witness how we all came together as a community and help each other get through these difficult times. I am forever grateful and i am so thankful and happy to be apart of this amazing community.

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 because of my marital name was changed in my ID I was unqualified for unemployment and food stamps claimed we didnt qualify. I started looking for work but it was difficult because I needed a work from home job but I didnt have any experience. A couple months later I started working but because we were so backed up on our bills we had to play catch up but now were catching up and are able to pay our Bill’s on time.

The Helper Needs Help

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.

Trusting God through it all.

Corona virus has impacted my life for the bad as well as the good. I’ve 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 I’m 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 wasn’t working. I’ve made some changes that were needed and was unaware I even had. I’ve 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 wouldn’t have time for. Its scary with all those going on, anything can happen anytime to anyone but God is good and able.

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 the baby. Being that no one is allow to be with you in labor and delivery until your covid 19 test results come back. The nurse called my name and said can you please but your mask all the way on your face, I was a little bother and asked did you get my results and she stated yes and you are positive . Tears rolled down my face thinking how I’m so careful all I can think of is giving birth without the father being present my child being took from me immediately after birth as the nurse tell me everything to expect. I was then induced in labor for 16 hours alone in a room no one really wanted to walk in because I had covid 19 could not hold my child, my body started regressing due to stress not knowing if I will be able to come home having a 102 fever body aches restricted to a room alone. I had to fight ! I took honey and lemon, hot tea, hot soup I turned down anything cold, moved around the room as much as I can until I broke my fever and was released. having to stay away from my kids Hurt me more than anything. But I stand with you guys. Covid 19 is no joke and a lot of people don’t know that they have been in contact nor have the virus so please stay safe.