I spent my time during lockdown with my parents. I knew if I tried to stay by myself it would not be good for my mental health, plus my parents are considered high risk, so it became my job to do all the stuff out of the house. Not that I went out very much at first. Initially, I went out to get groceries and that was about it. Having a friend get COVID-19 pretty early on, presumably from being in a grocery store despite wearing a mask, was pretty scary for me. Despite the scariness, it was nice to spend time with my parents, who were both working from home. It was sad that we missed seeing my niece get bigger, but at least I didn't have to be alone during that trying time.
Now, of course, I wear my mask as I visit them on certain weekends as the surge goes on. I'm so thankful for my parents
Anonymous
Being quarantined during the COVID shutdown gave me some unexpected time. I was fortunate to play a lot of golf, go for long walks and bike rides. It was a time to watch a few TV series with family as well.
With my extended family, children, and grandchildren we met each week on Zoom to share our news and check in.
The slowing down was a good time to reflect on all we had to be thankful for and appreciate what was right in our own backyard!
Trish Haley
Some of my own positive COVID Blessings are that my mom was and still is relatively healthy even while she was going through chemotherapy. Also being at first somewhat pushed around at my new job to feeling blessed to even have a job during all of this! Also that while the shutdown left my sister without a job she found a job working at Ballreich’s chip factory and is doing quite well there. With both of her jobs she is able to take care of her family! Lots of positive things despite the harder parts of COVID!
Anonymous
This has been an extremely difficult year for all. However, my greatest COVID BLESSING was the birth of my 1st grandchild!y He was born on Monday, October 12th at 11:33 p.m. Exactly, 27 minutes before my 51st birthday! He is perfectly, perfect!! I pray that God gives me many years to spend loving and sharing time with him!
Amy Lynch
I have a story to share about how Covid-19 has turned into a blessing for me and my sister. Shelley is eleven years my younger. Now 59, she grew up totally blind and is also developmentally disabled. She resides in a wonderful group home in Rochester, NY. The individuals she shares her home with and the staff employed there are her family.
Shelley and I had usually talked on the phone every two weeks. And I’d visit a couple times a year. With Covid-19 things have changed. Still no visits but we have increased the phone conversations to twice a week.
At first the increased conversations were difficult, hindered by the fact that neither of us were doing much, what with the virus keeping us home more. But the idea to read books out loud to Shelley came to me one day as I was cleaning out a shelf in the basement and found my old Nancy Drew books.
Both of us are now thoroughly enjoying our time together reading. We’ve read three Nancy Drew books and Hans Brinker (or the Silver Skates) so far. Even after Covid-19 we plan to continue this fun way to stay in touch. Reading by phone has brought a spark to our relationship. We are closer than ever. I guess I owe it to the pandemic.
Paula Bartlett
10/16/2020
More time to stay home and read a book.
Wendy Montz Wheeler
I really appreciate that it has made us be more aware and cautious to not spread germs - but yet find ways to be together. living a healthier lifestyle with whole foods and outside activities. I also like slowing things down a little
Michelle Willman
Last summer I knocked off an item on my bucket list and ran my first half-marathon. I really enjoyed meeting that goal and I was about to start training for my second half marathon, set for October 2020, when it was cancelled (I did see it coming but had been crossing my fingers). Unfortunately, this particular race would not be offering a virtual option. They refunded my registration fee, but that was not the end of it for me. I asked a friend of mine who runs a very similar pace to my own if she’d like to run a half marathon with me on our own. She was all for it and so we each commenced our training programs. I was very thankful to have the time at home to get a head start on my training. I continue to work a hybrid version and love having my “lunch hour” on my days at home to use for running. On Oct. 18, 2020, my friend and I completed our half-marathon and we both beat our previous personal records by almost a minute! I may not have had the full race experience like I originally had thought when I registered in January, but I told my friend during our “race” that I would carry the memory of us running together on quiet country roads with the leaves displaying their fall colors and our families cheering us on for the rest of my life.
Emily Rinaman
Being reminded how important it is to keep those we love close—even if it’s by Zoom!
Mimi Lange Johnston, Director, Franciscan Earth Literacy Center
I enjoyed being able to be home with my children just being together. It was as if God gave us a much needed break! We were able to get some much needed house projects done. We played games, did crafts, took walks, and tried new recipes.
Melissa Mullins
I finally printed out and organized all our family pictures into picture boxes with labels and hung framed picture collages around the house.
We also got to spend a lot of extra time with our son (who is usually very busy with school and sports) before he graduated high school and went off to college.
Becky Oswalt
During the time period when America was sheltering in place my family started a mass text thread. There wasn't much going on with many of us but it was fun keeping each other updated on our shenanigans as we created a lot of inside jokes. We cheered on our family members who were still working. We basically let each other know we were ok and that we all loved each other no matter what happens. It was a way for us as a unit to get through something uncertain and scary. I am so grateful I belong to such a close family.
Emily Rinaman
We as a family have enjoyed more walks together with our dogs at several local parks. Very grateful!
Kathy Oliver