Cynthia
Covid-History Item Type Metadata
Age
72
Date
07/12/2021
Location
Galway, NY and Naples, FL
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?
We were in Naples FL and watched with sadness and fear as the numbers grew in NY.
How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?
I have more of an appreciation for the time I get to spend with family and friends. I travel a bit less.
How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?
I'm grateful for outside activities here at the lake or down in FL when I visit. Moving muscles relieves stress so pickleball, yoga, kayaking, walking or swimming make me feel great. It's important to enjoy nature and feel the joy of beautiful sunsets or watching the eagle fly over the lake. Getting hugs from my grandkids and family is the best!!!
What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?
I've gotten to know my neighbors much more!! In FL we met in the parking lot for impromptu get together with social distancing. People here at the lake have always been friendly however, now people seem to want to do more to make our community better by pitching in together on projects.
Are you a business owner who has had to close? If you are still open, how have you had to adjust how your business operates?
Yes, I am a business owner. I could not visit customers in their homes. I had to do more phone work or help customers choose a Medicare plan by computer, phone or through the mail.
Are you an essential employee? What do you do? What precautions are being taken at your workplace? What precautions are implementing at home?
I don't consider myself an essential worker but feel I provide a valuable service for people aging into Medicare.
Are you an employee who has been laid off or furloughed? Were you able to get unemployment? Were you able to retain your health insurance?
I was not laid off and did not obtain unemployment. I have Medicare so I remained insured. My new business did drop quite a bit as I could not hold informational sessions or see people face to face. I think people just went online or called Medicare to enroll instead of using a Representative like me.
Are you working from home? What adjustments or challenges are you experiencing?
Yes. Websites I use sometimes are not functioning or lack all the companies I represent. Sometimes folks do not have emails or a computer!
Do you have children at home? How’s it going?
No. I do see the struggles my family has gone through. Virtual learning was a disaster for some grandkids and an ok experience for others. It was a difficult transition for some to come back to school.
If you’re a student, was school canceled? Were you able to complete your studies online? Do you think you’ll be back on campus in the fall?
My one grandson took a leave of absence due to several issues. He's getting help and considering what his next steps will be. Felt so sad for him! College was not a good experience with the pandemic!
Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?
We had small holiday gatherings. It was different but ok.
Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?
No. We thought about it but could not find one.
What positive things did you contribute to or notice take place?
Appreciating my relationships so much more. I noticed the earth appreciated that the earth was cleaner!! I think more people should drive less and work from home. Families got stronger in many cases.
Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?
Yes. We lost a few friends and neighbors due to the disease. It was very traumatic for the kids to lose their dad-he was early 50's. Two neighbors in their nineties passed.
If you lost someone during the pandemic, how did you celebrate their lives?
We held memorial parties recently.
What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?
That we would be ok with the amazing scientists we have. And that a vaccine would help things come back.
What would you want future generations to know about the 2020 pandemic? How would you recommend they prepare for it?
Be aware that humans are innovative and will find a way to survive although some will not. You can have some things in hand but you'll have to find ways to deal with what you don't have or can't get. Take care of your health so you are strong and at your best!
How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?
I'm still not ready for large crowds of people. Keeping closer to home may be the new norm and less travel.
Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't already been asked above?
Live your life with joy. Embrace every gift you're given. Share what you have. Be kind and show compassion. Help one another!
Dublin Core
Title
Cynthia
Subject
COVID-19 (Disease)
Publisher
Southern Adirondack Library System
Date
07/12/2021
Contributor
Southern Adirondack Library System
Rights
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Language
English
Type
Covid History
Identifier
12812853914
Coverage
Coronavirus Pandemic
Collection
Citation
“Cynthia,” Leaving Our Fingerprints on History, accessed December 21, 2024, https://fingerprints.sals.edu/omeka/items/show/390.