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2023-03-25

Our story from Walbrooke Avenue

This is a chronicle of the pandemic from March through December 2020. It shows how normal things were abnormal and yet somehow the same.

2020-12-22

It’s so nice to be recognized for our dedicated hard work.

It’s so nice to be recognized for our dedicated hard work. Found this on the front lawn. Our neighbor's rock ❤️ Thank you to Courtney Tobin for sharing Jennifer Jane's update.

2020-04

Saved

The pandemic has not only been a devastating experience but a time of reflection.

2021-05-29

I chose to submit this photo because this is the first picture I took of my graduation -- after spending a year and a half in online schooling. I do remember my in-person schooling, but once everything shut down and my life completely changed, I was lost and had no idea how to handle things. I fell out with lots of friends because I didn't see them as much anymore. It became difficult to communicate with people because I spent most of my time indoors, trying to keep myself and my family safe from COVID-19. I lost interest in my hobbies and in school -- nothing felt worth it anymore because we were all trapped inside, and when we went outside, masks were required to keep us safe. I couldn't see people's faces anymore. Things didn't look positive -- I wasn't sure if anything would ever change. I worried we would be isolating for many more months, possibly years to come. But for some reason, graduation felt liberating. I remember walking out of the arena after graduating and thinking, "Okay, this is a new start." I knew things would not change immediately, and they would take time. But I felt that life goes on, and I will learn to get through this, just as I got through those times where I was isolated. I learned to appreciate the people I had around me, become closer with those who really mattered, and just appreciate daily life because at any moment, everything can change.

2022-04-05

Jerry Gryglak 'humbled' to receive Governor's Citizenship Medal for daily Reddit COVID updates

This is a news story from The Denver Gazette by Lindsey Toomer. Since June 2020, Jerry Gryglak has posted COVID updates on the subreddit r/CoronavirusColorado, and breaking down the information to be more user-friendly. This has helped Redditors get better information on the virus. Due to his diligence, Governor Jared Polis is recognizing Gryglak as one of Colorado's COVID Heroes and will get the Governor's Citizenship Medal. Gryglak left posts on Reddit with updates on deaths, hospitalizations, vaccines, and other such information. Gryglak is unsure how much longer he will be posting these updates.

2021-04-08

Cocomelon or Blippi

In the early stages of COVID, I was in Utah finishing up my Bachelor’s. Finally, after reuniting with my sister’s family in Washington, not only did I have a hard time adjusting to the noise, I had to deal with the 24/7 nonstop routine of my nieces and nephews watching either Cocomelon or Blippi. We can’t even have a movie night because the kids will end up crying to change the movie to Cocomelon or Blippi. Night and Day, my nieces and nephews would be singing to the nursery rhymes on Cocomelon or the opening song of Blippi. Although there were times when I would get annoyed or frustrated watching the same thing on the television, I am grateful for these moments. After spending many years on my own, I am thankful and blessed to be with my family during these times. In the end, it became a routine for me and my nieces and nephews to watch Cocomelon or Blippi in the evening. Not only do I get to see their sweet smiles, but I also get to hear their cute little chuckles and laughter while singing “The Wheels On The Bus” or spelling Blippi’s name. The noise that I once had a hard time adjusting to and the overbearing sound of the nursery rhymes from cocomelon or blippi's name did not matter as their sweet laughs and chuckles filled the house every evening making COVID quarantine bearable.

2021-09

Appreciating Family

When reflecting back on my own experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a lot of things that come to mind: how my freshmen year of college was completely upended, how I did not feel safe to return to my part-tine job, and especially how nerve-wracking it was to watch world leaders navigate through a crisis we had yet to see in our lifetime. Acknowledging these difficulties that I personally faced, along with the challenges people across the world faced, is crucial because, unfortunately, fear is apart of this story that history will tell; however, I have always found myself someone who tries to remain rather optimistic, which I find myself doing as I share my story. Though I hesitate to call the COVID-19 pandemic a ‘blessing in disguise,’ it did open my eyes and help me to become much more grateful for one huge aspect of my life: my family. I have been very privileged to have a close and loving family my entire life, though it took me a while to realize what a privilege this was. Sitting down each night to dinner and having a lively conversation with my mom, dad, and younger brother was the norm to me, so I rarely considered the notion that that wasn’t the same for everybody else. When the pandemic first struck and shut down life as we knew it, I – a 19-year-old college student – suddenly found myself back at home living every single day with my family. This was a very jarring shift for me after experiencing the freedom that college granted me, but I quicky began to see how lucky I was to have a loving and accepting family to get through this difficult time with. Of course, this is not to say I never got frustrated with constantly being around my family, but it made me appreciate all the good moments that we had together. Together, we formed a stronger bond as a family that helped us to get through the physical and mental toll the pandemic had brought. From trying new meals together, watching new shows/movies together, to creating wacky videos to share with our friends and family, and so much more, I began to appreciate all the little moments we had together. As things somewhat begin to return to a state of ‘normalcy,’ I continue to reflect on this time I spent with my family, and I cannot help but feel a huge sense of gratitude. I truly have learned to appreciate everything they have done for me (and continue to do), as well as learned to appreciate many more facets of my life. Nowadays, I find myself much more cognizant of the seemingly simple things and not taking them for granted. It is strange to think that something such as a global pandemic can be the thing that really cements an idea or feeling in our minds, but that is what COVID-19 did for me and my appreciation for my wonderful family.

2021-09-10

A new gratitude for our little farm...

My husband and I bought a little secluded farm in Vanleer, Tennessee in 2013. We had this idyllic notion that we could grow our own food, live off the grid, and have a sense of privacy we never had living in the city. But, were were awful at it, nothing ever grew, our house was the ultimate "fixer-upper" and we were far from everything. In the last two years or so, we started to long for living in the city again, being near conveniences, and not commuting over one miles a day. Then, the pandemic came and my job sent us all home to work remotely. I am museum curator and what I do is very hands on, so that took some clever adjustment and reinvention. We also have the world's slowest internet, but I made it work by duct taping the jetpack to the only window where it worked. As the months went by, I read so many accounts of how the isolation and seclusion of shelter in place orders led to depression. Some of my friends who lived in apartments in the city described feeling claustrophobic and trapped. I realized, that despite other uncertainties caused by the pandemic, that I was happier than usual and felt completely peaceful in our little secluded twelve acre homestead. I could roam around my own land, take my dogs for walks, work on the never ending house projects, or just sit on the porch and appreciate the sunset. When things started to return to normal and we began going back into the office, I broke my foot while trail running and that added another seven months of completely remote work to my job. Physically, my recovery was grueling, but mentally I was doing well thanks to the time already spent quarantining during the pandemic. I have a new love and appreciation for this little farm that won't grow anything now. Both my husband and I have no desire to move back to the city and we have even made peace with the fact that we will never finish all the fixer-upper chores. The gratitude I feel for this beautiful place is immeasurable. I am one of the lucky people who could quarantine and not feel like I was suffering. During the pandemic, we built a small A-frame cabin down near the front of our land and offered it up as a refuge for people who needed to leave the city for a day or two. Now, it's my little yoga cabin and a place where I can sit and be thankful for my little home in the forest.

2021-06-10

School’s Out, I Finally Met My Teacher

The day after school ended, we returned all the materials to my kid’s elementary school. While there, we were able to thank my son’s first grade teacher for all her work throughout the year in person. I will be forever in awe of this woman, keeping six year olds engaged over Zoom for a year. She is a testament to teaching and you could feel her genuine love for her students through the screen. There was something so bittersweet about my son’s first face to face meeting with her being after school ended. Such a bizarre way to begin an academic career.

2021-02-03

Tin Whiskers Brew Offered Frontline Workers Discount on Beer

To thank those risking their health for the benefit of others, Tin Whiskers Brewing Co. in Saint Paul, Minnesota showed their appreciation by offering a discount on take-out beer to frontline workers. They included health care workers, educators, first responders, service industry workers, postal workers, and public transit workers in their list, and were open to suggestions to add to that list. While a discount on beer doesn't make up for all the work these individuals do, it is a nice gesture to show appreciation during this challenging time. Given that those working in this brewery are also service industry workers, they recognize the risks and difficulties that frontline workers have been experiencing, and wanted to make it clear how much these people do for society. Instagram caption: @tinwhiskersbrew We want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of the frontline workers out there who have helped us all get through the past 11+ months. Starting immediately, all frontline workers get $2 off crowlers when you swing by our crowler shop. Just let us know you qualify when you're checking out (in-store only), and we'll activate your discount. What constitutes a frontline worker? --Health Care Workers --Educators --First Responders --Grocery/Retail/Pharmacy/Liquor Store Employees --Bar/Brewery/Restaurant Service Industry --Postal Service/Delivery --Public Transit Workers If we missed a field, let us know! We definitely want to thank you too.

2021-04-23

COVID-19 pandemic

It has been a tough year for everyone, the impact of COVID 19 changed our lives forever. As people across the world practice social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19, many things have changed. In one way or another, we have all been touched by this pandemic, whether that means working from home or transitioning to online classes. Personally, I felt like the pandemic was going to be my downfall when it came to school. I have always struggled to stay focused and concentrate on different tasks. Having to transition from in person classes to complete remote learning scared me. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to continue with my education. As weeks went by, having to be isolated from the world and it just being me and my computer was very difficult. I suffered from depression and anxiety but I didn't want to give up. Education has always been important to me but it was really affecting my health. With pandemic getting worse and having more restrictions it felt like I was trapped. Usually when I feel that way the only thing that would give me peace was going to church. That wasn't an option anymore. Due to everything being closed I couldn't even go to the one place where I would feel safe and at peace. This pandemic taught me to be strong, and even in the hardest moment have faith. Have faith that everything gets better, and that we are capable of more than we think. Even though I had some tough times in school now I'm doing a lot better and I'm proud of myself for overcoming those obstacles. I'm now more appreciative of things that I took for granted before the pandemic. Even the little things, like being able to go to church. Overall, the pandemic taught me many things about myself. I am stronger and happier than I was before.

2021-03-10

#JOTPYSilver from mszneyugn

#jotpysilver my silver lining was that this pandemic has taught me how little I actually need to be happy. It all came down to knowing that family was safe, having quality time, and learning to appreciate the simplicities in life. It’s taught me a different level of empathy and patience that I didn’t know I needed.

2021-03-01

#JOTPYLesson from Robin Keagle

In retrospect, I have learned that the initial stay-at-home order was an unexpected gift to my husband, daughter, and me. Although the reason for it was unfortunate, it turned out to be a blessing in many ways. Instead of rushing to and from school and work, we had time to eat together more, watch movies, and develop a comfortable but temporary new routine. To be sure, not every day was bright and shiny yet we definitely appreciated this unique time together. Our youngest will be off to college in a couple of years which made it even more special to have those moments with her. Family is everything. PS. I also learned that Zoom has a great HD filter that allows me to wear much less make-up, and how to coordinate a work blouse with pajama pants which is a silver lining indeed. #JOTPYLesson Julie Watters Amber Peters Kim Kimberly Rankin Michele Gable Stefanie Thayer Sinanovic

2021-02-27

#JOTPYLesson from Daniel Lopez

Throughout the pandemic, I've learned the importance of family. My personal challenges during this very difficult period could not have been overcome without the unconditional love and support from my family. Thank you and I love all of you! Linda Mercado-Paulson Isabel Peralta Jay Jay Peralta Jacob Mercado Jennifer Conroy Jessica Linda Mercado Kristina Danielle @covid19archive1 #JOTPYLesson

2021-03-04

#JOTPYFuture from Clinton Roberts

After the COVID-19 pandemic, my hope for the future is that people appreciate their time with one another. The pandemic has made me realize that virtual experiences and phone calls are not the same. We must remain vigilant and safe, but fully appreciative of our family and friends when those opportunities arise. #JOTPYFuture Lawson Miller Kelly Hoile McDaniel Morgan Keena Shawn McDaniel II Chris Twing

2021-03-27

#JOTPYLesson from Stephany Mae

I’ve learned that we should’ve been wearing face masks during flu season this whole time (#neveragain), that stores used to skimp on refilling the hand sanitizer before this (#neveragain), and that despite parents realizing how hard teaching is, teachers and schools are still scapegoated for many a’thing.

This is a picture of a gift bag that was made for a student by their teacher. A note inside it reads: "Special bag for: (blank). Please wait to use until Mrs. Evans gives instructions. Keep in a SAFE place (DO NOT LOSE IT). You are smart! You are important! You are loved! I am so proud of you! You have been working so hard and doing your best! Keep up the good work!" Several pieces of paper and a small book appear to be in the bag.

2021-03-03

Teachers Do It All

Tired of hearing media highlighting g what teachers aren’t doing. Need more shout outs of what they ARE doing. This is just part of the drive up supply pick up package from first grader’s teacher. The 5th of the year! In addition to ALL the academic supplies needed, there are fun surprises. Always paid out of pocket and always packed with cars and personalised. GGUSD teachers go above and beyond as do many teachers across the globe.

2021-01-08

Thank You

I want to thank all the organizers, activists, community leaders, lawyers, journalists, photographers, educators, event marshalls, and medics who against all odds and dangers have raised their hands to dig America out of its messes. We appreciate and see you.

02/21/2021

June Massengill Oral History, 2021/02/21

This is a recording I did my great aunt, June. It asks the question regarding whether or not there are any silver linings in the pandemic.

02/21/2021

Michele Lebsack Oral History, 2021/20/21

On 02-21-2021, I sat down with my mother-in-law to ask about the positive experiences she had since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020-06-03

Gerry and George Savoring Life after COVID

This story talks about the ordeal that two people went through with COVID and how they are now enjoying the simple pleasures in life. They are no longer taking for granted the simple things. This is important to me because it's a stark reminder of how easy life can be taken and how we should not take for granted the ability to enjoy the simple moments in our ife

An image of a poster entitled "Health Care Heroes Week 2020: How To Participate". This poster honors first responders during the pandemic.

2020-08

Healthcare Heroes Week Celebration

Mayor Zimmerman, Sugar Land Texas, proclaimed August 24-28, 2020 “Healthcare Heroes Week.” The community wants to show their appreciation for all the work they have done and for the sacrifices they have made.

Picture of a young boy who is holding a sign reading "We are staying home for you! Thank you for your service!".

2020-04-13

Kids for Positive Change make signs to thank essential workers

This photo is of a child holding a handmade thank you poster for healthcare workers and other essential workers. The children who made these thank you posters wanted to show their appreciation for essential workers around them locally and around the world. He is thanking them for their service and staying at home so that he will be healthy for them.

2020-04-30

Sidewalk art in Brookline, MA

Sidewalk chalk art by children seen in Brookline, Massachusetts. The art says "Summer Is Coming!"; "Thank You Doctors And Nurses!"; and "Show You Care By Distancing!"

2020-01-15

True Friends

The picture I posted is important to me, as even though that my friends and I were not able to meet. Beacuse of the pandemic we all truly appreciated the presence of eachothe rin the group and felt like family to each other.

2020-07-16

military response

This is a story of how one soldier can make a difference in the pandemic.This private was recognized for her good deeds by NASCAR however the question that begs asking is why it was necessary?why during a pandemic is a shortage of masks occurring especially in the military where people are forced to work in close quarters.

2010-07-13

A Journal Entry of the Plague Year

I wrote a reflection of my experience in quarantine and what I learnt during this difficult time.

Image of a banner outside of a grocery store which reads Albertsons, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family of shoppers in the city of Orange. Your patience and kind words are sincerely appreciated! Continue to aid those in need. City of Orange Rocks!

2020-05-14

Front Door Banners

Various grocery stores have implemented additional safety policies as the pandemic has worn on in Orange County. At the outset of California's quarantine there was a limit of one in, one out at this particular store. That has been amended, and now there are various markers throughout the store emphasizing: social distancing, not unnecessarily touching things, safety guidelines, and a banner of appreciation for people that continue to shop. *Joey Dorion took the photograph *Photograph of banners

2020-05-12

A Candid Account of My Experiences During Covid-19

A personal account of the pandemic.

Screenshot of a YouTube video titled "when this is all over" uploaded by Miles Carter

2020-05-03

When This is Over

Youtube motivational speaker that provides a positive outlook pertaining to what is going on in the world and how to move on in a healthy way.

Black and white photo of nurses holding ON running shoe boxes.

2020-05-07

Potomac River Running x ON Running x Pacers Running

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Potomac River Running, ON Running, and Pacers contributed ON Running shoes to healthcare workers in Northern VA.

Message in window with sticky notes colored orange, pink, yellow, red, and green with text, "Thank You Frontline Heroes"

2020-04-26

Signs From Around: #10, Washington Heights, NY

"Signs From Around: #10, Washington Heights, NY" is part of a series exploring the signage surrounding COVID-19 from different parts of the world. Letting front line workers know we appreciate them! #FordhamUniversity #VART3030 #SignsFromAroundSeries

A person smiling standing in front of a beach.

2020-05-01

Humanizing the heroes

Below is a photograph of Brian Sarkisian. An Auburn Mass. hometown hero, state champion baseball player, and now an essential medical worker at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester Massachusetts. Brian is a kind and gentle man whose only goal has ever been to help those in need. He is a nursing student at Worcester State University who previously picked up shifts at UMass Memorial as a student nurse to help people and gain experience for his practice. Now he works tirelessly around the clock handling non COVID-19 patients so that the doctors can focus their efforts. Brian speaks often about the business of the hospital and his constant fear of contracting the virus, but still he says that he would never trade or give up what he’s doing for the world. In a quote he gave me Mr. Sarkisian states “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m in this field and in school for it because I want to make the worst times in people’s lives bearable”. Thank you for everything you do Brian Sarkisian.

2020-05-03

REL zoom fellowship in 2020

REL

A social media post from New Orleans East Hospital.

2020-04-11

Hospital Receives Handmade Masks, New Orleans East, LA

New Orleans East Hospital thanks Sonson, LLC, for providing handmade masks. Many people have begun sewing cotton masks to use, donate, and sell.

2020-05-01

Kim and Frenchie live staying gone!

I live with my disabled adult daughter and our personal experience is that as two introverts who like to work on solitary activities, we loved being at home!

2020-04-30

A quiet time

A personal account

2020-03-10

Appreciation

This image was taken by me when I came home from University for Spring Break. At the time, the Covid 19 virus was present but it hadn't forced people into lockdown yet. I have always loved photographing things but the ocean has always been a place of true solitude. When I first saw the picture, I did not think that it would be the last time I saw the ocean for some time. I was unaware and did not appreciate how truly beautiful the picture was. I want this image to serve as a reminder to all that in these difficult times we must appreciate everything in our lives. Whether it be loved ones, a hobby, a food, or even the simplest things like waking up in the morning and being able to experience the sensations and feelings that we feel because we never really know when things may come to end and we want every last time to be a proper farewell if needed. #REL101

2020-03-20

Residents of Rocinha favela show their thanks to health teams working to prevent the spread of COVID-19

This film shows residents of the Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro celebrating health workers by clapping, cheering, and flashing the lights of their homes. The captions reads: "Residents of Rocinha applaud and flash their lights in gratitude to the whole medical team that is dedicated to the prevention of the coronavirus. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! Film by a resident." The entry is tagged with #COVIDnasFavelas, a hashtag documenting the efforts of local residents to provide food and care in the absence of federal, state, and local resources and leadership. As the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continues to deny the severity of the pandemic, the most marginalized communities are crowd-sourcing food to help those forced to stay home. Most workers and families have few or no savings to draw on. "Moradores da Rocinha aplaudiram e piscaram as luzes em agradecimento a toda equipe médica que está dedicada na prevenção do coronavírus. FOI LINDO!!! Vídeo de morador #COVID19NasFavelas" https://twitter.com/jornalfalaroca/status/1241194834364444673?s=20 #COVIDnasFavelas #NJIThist380

Political cartoon involving healthcare worker and superman.

2020

Superman offers cape to COVID-19 nurse.

The cartoon shows Superman, a superhero, giving his cape to a nurse taking care of a COVID-19 patient. It means that nurses and doctors are the true heroes during these hard times because of how many lives they saved and are saving every single day.

2020-04-25

"A Blessing in Disguise“

I’m a freshman at Arizona State University, which was a big jump since I started off my life in a small town in Ohio. But I was ready for an adventure.College just finally started to get good. I was making some really good friends, enjoying work on campus, and doing well in my studies. And then it hit. COVID-19 hit. My job closed down, my friends moved back home, and school went all online. I was distraught. How could I do this on my own? How will I mentally get through this? But my community built me up. Zoom classes turned into a Zoom get together‘s with my classmates and friends. My teachers were understanding and even more helpful during this time. My coworkers and I grew even stronger bonds through this. At the beginning of this worldwide pandemic I thought to myself “how will I manage”, but now I am here to say we have gotten through the bulk of it and it has not only made me a stronger person but a stronger friend and student. All in all, though I thought this would have been the worst thing that could ever happen I’m here to say I’m more confident my studies, I know I have amazing friends and mentors to back me up, and I know any day now things will go back to normal and we will all be grateful and cherish how lucky we are to have the things that we have and to attend a university as amazing as Arizona State. #REL101

2020-04-23

Local Elementary School Teacher Parade

The local elementary school in Cave Creek, AZ hosted a drive by parade for families to see their teachers. This video shows the teachers lined up, socially distancing, and the music playing. Schools in AZ have been out since mid-March, and won't reopen this year, and kids are missing their teachers, and teachers are missing their kids. It was a fun way for everyone to see each other while maintaining distancing protocols.

2020-04-23

Local Elementary School hosts teacher drive by parade

A local elementary school in Cave Creek, Arizona invited all of its students and families to drive by in the parking lot. The teachers were there with signs and music was playing, so the kids could see their teachers again. School in Arizona has been out since mid-March and will not resume this school year. This sign is giving directions for families to stay in their cars and keep moving.

Two teachers holding signs outside of school.

2020-04-23

Elementary School Teachers and Tunes Driveby Parade

Lone Mountain’s Teachers and Tunes Driveby Parade! Didn’t get any other pictures because I was too busy crying seeing all of our favorite people in the world, our Lone Mountain Family! Thank you for all you do for all of us! ❤️💙 Photos from Facebook post. School in Arizona has been out since mid-March, and the kids were missing their teachers, and the teachers, their kids. The elementary school set this up so the kids could drive by and wave.

2020-03-22

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