Denise
Covid-History Item Type Metadata
Age
65
Date
05/29/2020
Location
Middle Grove, New York
When did the impact of COVID-19 first occur to you? How did your reaction to COVID-19 change between then and the first case in your town?
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 was when the full impact of the seriousness of COVID-19 engulfed me. The director of the local library, where I was employed, told us to work from home and the library was closed until further notice. Thankfully, our Library Board continued to pay us but the adjustment to this isolation was very difficult.
How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?
Before the pandemic, I went to work 5 days a week and interacted with patrons, friends, and co-workers. I felt free to move about my daily life. Now I am working from home and only go out when absolutely necessary. It is scary to think that people can be asymptomatic and spread COVID-19 without realizing it.
How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?
I am fortunate to live on 20 acres of land that I enjoy even during the winter months by playing in the snow with my dogs. During the spring, sitting outside while working gives me time to enjoy nature's beauty in between tasks.
Are you working from home? What adjustments or challenges are you experiencing?
At first, I struggled with working from home. I truly missed my daily interactions with patrons, friends, and co-workers. I became depressed. To counteract my depression, I began exercising and playing with my dogs. I discovered that leaving the television on created background noise to mimic the hustle and bustle of the library. From negativity came positivity... I have learned to appreciate the stillness and aloneness in my life while taking time for life's little things.
Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?
My husband and I had to cancel our trip to visit my son and his wife in California. I took my frustration out on spring clean-up of our property. We do plan to reschedule.
Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?
My 2 dogs and 1 bird have become my daily companions while my husband is at work. When I finally return to work, I worry about their adjustment to being home alone again.
What would you want future generations to know about the 2020 pandemic? How would you recommend they prepare for it?
Listen to the scientists and the data.
Dublin Core
Title
Denise
Publisher
Southern Adirondack Library System
Language
English
Type
Covid History
Identifier
11648943929
Collection
Citation
“Denise,” Leaving Our Fingerprints on History, accessed April 16, 2024, https://fingerprints.sals.edu/omeka/items/show/102.