Leaving Our Fingerprints

Age

41

Date

6/16/2020

Location

Gansevoort, 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?

I was first hit by the impact of COVID-19 when the schools and other public entities began to close. I was worried, for my children, for our family and those of our community. My oldest son has asthma and I feared for him especially since the focus of the virus seemed to be on those with underlying medical conditions. We're just outside of Saratoga so the large amount of cases here was unsettling.

How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?

I am very much a home body! Before the Pandemic my boys and I were out in the community, working, playing, volunteering. It is quite a struggle adjusting your mindset in such a huge way, especially when children are involved. How do you explain it to them in a way that doesn't scare them? How do you make sure they know they're safe and things will be ok one day? Tough questions, tougher answers.

How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?

I am up and down, I'm sure as many others are. Some days things are looking great and I'm thankful for the focused time at home with family and other days all hope seems lost. Just like before COVID-19 we all have our good days and bad, just now your reactions and outside resources to relieve those feelings are limited by so many rules and regulations. Its hard not being able to hug and be close to family especially. My oldest son turned 9 during this pandemic and celebrating that was such an emotional rollercoaster for us all. Through it all we've been so lucky to have our immediate family to talk to and be with. I'm taking lots of walks! Thankful for living in the woods!

What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?

Surprisingly not much has changed other than the restrictions of gatherings and closing of businesses. I'm pleasantly surprised how close knit the Schuylerville/Saratoga communities have kept through it all. I'm proud of our little communities for keeping the faith and continuing to show support for each other during these trying times.

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?

n/a

Are you an essential employee? What do you do? What precautions are being taken at your workplace? What precautions are implementing at home?

I am a clerk at the Schuylerville Public library. We are just now going back to work and starting the beginning phases of reopening. I am anxious to get back to work and the community.

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?

Fortunately I have not had to worry about my employment.

Are you working from home? What adjustments or challenges are you experiencing?

n/a

Do you have children at home? How’s it going?

Yes. We have a 9yr old and 5yr old. Every day is a surprise! hahah its been great having lots of quality time together, some days we drive each other nuts and the boys definitely miss their friends.

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?

n/a

How are you using social media, the Internet, or digital platforms during the pandemic?

So many digital platforms!! Zoom for meetings, lessons and school meets, Google for school work, school meets and work, social media to keep updated on what's happening locally and globally. Ironically, screen time has increased for us adults during this time as its the one way we can all stay in touch and keep up with work and school. I'm not loving all the extra time spent on devices.

Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?

My oldest sons 9th birthday was in April 2020. We had a "socially distant" celebration with only close family and a neighbor. We set up hats and noise makers on a table outside and served cake on the table so everyone could grab their own piece without coming into contact with each other. We all sang and the kids kicked soccer balls back and forth. We made the best of it and everyone was full of smiles and very appreciative to have the time together. My son was happy. We're planning a make up party once we can get together with all of his friends. Our youngest would have graduated from preschool so I'm currently planning a little ceremony for him and his classmates.

Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?

We have chickens, a dog, a gecko and some fish. Leia, our golden retriever dog, has really been loving having us all available to throw her ball for her!

What positive things did you contribute to or notice take place?

So much positivity when you look hard enough to find it! I participated in a peaceful walk for Black Lives Matter in Schuylerville, NY and was overwhelmed with the love and care I witnessed on that day.

Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?

I have had a handful of acquaintances who contracted it and have heard it was like a cold or allergies. Luckily, those who I know who had it had mild symptoms and recovered fully.

If you lost someone during the pandemic, how did you celebrate their lives?

n/a

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

I wish I knew how much the time away from loved ones and friends would impact my children and how to help them cope instead of treading the waters and stumbling along the way.

What would you want future generations to know about the 2020 pandemic? How would you recommend they prepare for it?

Drink plenty of water, be outside with nature, write letters and keep a journal or notes about what's happening and your feelings and talk to your loved ones. Keep the faith. There IS light at the end of the tunnel.

How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?

I have no idea. I hope this pandemic will help everyone be especially thankful for what they have and that it will encourage them to help others who don't have it.

Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't already been asked above?

The one constant is LOVE. Be kind and love one another. Try to understand everyone is different and will have different opinions. We can coexist with different ideals, its called acceptance. Figure out what's most important to you and hold onto it.

Lori

Covid-History Item Type Metadata

Age

Date

Location

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?

How is your life different now than it was before the pandemic?

How are you feeling? What are you doing to relieve stress?

What have you noticed has changed in your community since the outbreak? What has surprised you?

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?

Are you an essential employee? What do you do? What precautions are being taken at your workplace? What precautions are implementing at home?

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?

Are you working from home? What adjustments or challenges are you experiencing?

Do you have children at home? How’s it going?

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?

Did you have to postpone any major life events? (e.g. Graduation, wedding, major birthday) What did you do instead?

Do you have animals? Did you adopt a pet? How have they impacted your day?

What positive things did you contribute to or notice take place?

Did you or someone you know contract COVID-19? What was it like?

If you lost someone during the pandemic, how did you celebrate their lives?

What do you wish you knew before the pandemic began?

How do you think this pandemic will change how we behave going forward? What will the “new normal” look like?

Is there anything else you would like to add that hasn't already been asked above?

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