Written Story by Anonymous

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Socrates said, “The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” While Covid may not have been old when my daughter was born in late December of 2019, I certainly wanted to build a new foundation for my partner and I’d daughter. We had tried for years to conceive and in the spring of 2019, when the positive result appeared, I was overjoyed! My partner is an amazing woman and simply the greatest mother, my daughter and I are both so fortunate to have her in our lives. Knowing that she and I get the joy of preparing to bring into the world our greatest joy was a gift beyond measure. And boy did that time go fast!

The Sunday morning that my partner’s water broke was a whirlwind of movement to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. You see, our daughter was born 3 weeks early and we hadn’t yet prepared for her as much as we should have. While my partner is a very forward-thinking individual, I tend to focus on the present and worry about the details later. Let’s just say that I am so, so glad that my partner had a bag packed for herself and we had a crib (even if the mattress for the crib wasn’t being delivered until Monday). We drove to the hospital through a small rainstorm, but we made it safely and got checked in, ready to see our daughter.

My partner was induced and delivered our daughter within the same day. Look, I have seen tough people, having worked on several trail crews doing manual labor such as literally wrestling holders into the perfect position for a stone step (my partner has done this work as well, I’m proud to say), but no one could have handled the pain of being induced to deliver in such a small amount of time as my partner. To say I felt a little useless and a whole lot confused wouldn’t be a wholly invalid statement. But I tried to help how I could and my partner, the real champ, delivered our little girl into the world at 9 PM on the day she checked into the hospital. I will never forget hearing our daughter’s first cry or the warmth in my heart seeing my partner holding our wonderful child.

Our parents came to the hospital, along with my partner’s brother, and we all were so happy to welcome our little bundle of joy into a world of opportunity and love. While navigating a whole new world of parenthood in our hospital room, there was change brewing. Our daughter was placed onto a 2-hour feeding schedule to help gain weight as she was born early and needed to gain weight before being discharged. While I will do whatever I have to do make sure our daughter is provided for and I heard about sleep disruption with a new child, it was hard. Through the joys of navigating becoming first time parents, I realized just how little I would not do or change to give our daughter the life she deserved.

Nearing the end of our hospital stay we were watching CNN. This was early January 2020 and not more than a few days earlier we were celebrating the new year with my partner’s parents and brother while my daughter slept on her mother’s chest. But it was hard to be joyful, or optimistic, when witnessing people being forcefully quarantined into their homes in Wuhan, China. Change was happening and, even thousands of miles away, it seemed like uncertain times were upon us. It was frightening to say the least but, optimistic to a fault, I thought that whatever was happening in Wuhan would not come to Coos County in Oregon…

Well to say I am wrong is about like saying the surface of the sun is a bit warm. I expected life to change when I became a father. Maybe I will get less sleep, cut back on my gaming time, and be prepared to listen to some catchy kid songs if come to learn to enjoy (hopefully). But what I ended up with was a world where millions would die from a virus that spread globally within months. It was NOT what I wanted for my daughter.

During the Covid-19 pandemic many people experienced changes that radically altered their perceived future, their careers, their financial stability, and dashed away many hopes and dreams. While I cannot say that I had the worst of it by any stretch, before our daughter finally received her Covid-19 vaccine we had moved towns, I lost my job as a sole supporter to my family, began counseling services, and experienced the frustration of seeing my daughter grow up in a world in which my partner and I had to restrict seeing family and friends to ensure the health of our daughter. I understand I am not unique or alone in those situations but there was not exactly a handbook for this.

There were many parts of the pandemic that actually provided me with what I would never have dreamed of having before. I have worked completely remotely since my daughter was born, and if I can help it at all I will try in all of my power to keep it that way. The chance to be home with my family during the day was such an amazing experience. It has not been easy, especially when I was doing direct practice for a while, but my current job in a whole new field has been both challenging and rewarding. That change HAS been a silver lining from the changes caused by Covid-19.

Change is the only constant in this world. While I knew that well before Covid, perhaps it had shown me just how easy it is for society to radically change. So, as Socrates said, perhaps it is best to stop fighting the old and to instead pursue what I DO want for my future. The pandemic has shown me I want to be the best father I can, the best partner I can, and to be brave enough to fall. But more importantly the bravery to get up after falling. It hit me hard, really hard, when I lost my job. I went to school for that job, and it felt like sand slipping through my hand and floating in the wind while I was frozen in fear…

But that did not stop me. I continued to search for change, to search for good. What inspired that change was my daughter. No matter what I will do, I need to do to ensure she gets EVERYTHING she needs to have a happy life. I am sure almost every parent would say the same. Becoming a parent was a change. Witnessing and living through the pandemic was a change. Those two events happened so closely together it is difficult to say which affected me the most. But I don’t have to choose which one did impact me, that is in the old. What matters now is the new.

A new life with love, life, and the opportunity to see my family thrive. To see my daughter go to pre-school and work towards becoming the veterinarian she says she will become. My wife will find a job she loves and be close to her family. And through it all I will continue to support them. My new change is to live my life for them because they are my life. I know that is cliché but I can’t help it. All I want is my loved ones to be happy, healthy, and to pursue the new that they are meant to pursue.

Themes:

Community Connection & IsolationEssayGrief & ChangeIdentity & Social ChangeInspiration & HopeMental Health/WellbeingPregnancy & BirthWork/Unemployment

Medium: Written

Author: Anonymous

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Written Story by Anonymous

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In March of 2020, Covid19 descended in our community much like any other communities in Oregon. The entire community went into lock down just like the whole State and Country did. We entered into survivor mode in effort to combat and educate community members about this terrible pandemic. This was not easy and it required cooperation of everyone. As a community our first and primary duty was to assure that everyone is safe and protected. We followed every single guideline as given without exception. We also resulted in using traditional healing mechanism for preventing getting this terrible disease. One of the best way was to protect ourselves from getting a cold which could result in possibly weakening the body and making it susceptible to getting infected. So we consumed everything that will fortify our bodies ans health. One of the simplest remedies used was to boil a combination of lemon, ginger, onion, and garlic and then add a spoon of natural honey. This was the perfect combination to make the body not susceptible to cold. This little an simple remedy worked like magic. We also formed an alliance in our community towards protecting our community members. This was meant to assure that everyone was healthy. We connect via frequent phone calls, via social media such whatsapp very often if not daily. We did drive by to our community members that to assure more visibility and assurance that everyone was doing well. It doesn’t mean that member did not get sick, it simply means that we kept an open communication to assure that if a community member was to get convid19, we will sick resources to assure that he or she is has all the care they need. This was not a simple endeavor since there was still some stigma about covid19 as some people thought they will be shined if it discovered that they have been infected by Civid19. So we had to create a sense of community understanding that covid19 is a disease that no one is immune. At any particular time anyone could unfortunately get it. The most important this is that it matters to assure that anyone affected will get all care and help they needed to make sure the come though victorious. As a community we launched a campaign designed to informatio all community members on facts about covid19, and possible remedies including self care. This became the most important mission of community elders to assure that our community stays unified and in keeping everyone safe. This involved frequent phone calls, frequent chats and once in while a get together in socially distanced way. All of these measures were meant to stay connected and stay current by ensuring the well-being of community members. One of the best weapon we realized was education. Education provided knowledge, shared values, collaboration, and understanding that no one was alone. In this circumstances assuring that every member was well and healthy was all we needed to accomplish our goal. This is often a long term project for community well-being.

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationEssayGrief & ChangeIdentity & Social ChangeInspiration & HopeRemote Connections

Medium: Written

Author: Anonymous

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I am a community member who cares about our community with a lifelong commitment to advance community well-being.

Written Story by Sage-Curry

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We have been learning to be strong little one

As the wind and rain have found no pattern against the windowpane It has been me and you

Together

Who listen to the howl of humanity’s suffering outside our window. When you first smiled

My own disappeared willingingly behind a mask

Your first words

Were for me only

As we are alone now

But they are all the more precious

As a word in joy has the weight of a precious metal in this time. In the endless darkness you nurse

Pulling life from my body into yours

What kind of world have I brought you into?

My tears tremble silently down

Upon your round perfect cheek

A beach, a ride in a grocery cart

The library, a grandma

Everything I took for granted

Before your birth

Of those things at least I could offer you

I thought.

I knew nothing of the storm that would come so soon after you were born And through the sleepless nights of your new life

I found dread knotted into my new existence as your mother. All I knew was that

I must protect the tiny pulsing light of your spirit

And I will

I promise you sweet innocent

My greatest love

Our ancestors.

Whoever and wherever they found themselves

Survived the cold, the pain, the loss

To bring me and then you to this place

Our storm will end

Someday

And when that time comes

I will take you by the hand

And show you how beautiful the world outside our window is.

Themes:

Community Connection & IsolationHealth CareInspiration & HopePoetryPregnancy & Birth

Medium: Written

Author: Sage-Curry

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Written Story by Rebel Fayola Black

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I haven’t gotten COVID….yet. But it has changed my life, for worse AND for better.

I have worn a mask every time I’ve gone into public since Spring 2020. First, I sewed them myself, perfecting a pattern with a wire nose piece that fit my face snugly. The fabrics were so pretty, and I used cool elastic for the ear loops. Now, I wear N-95’s with the headbands, because they are so much safer. I’ve worn a mask every time I’ve gone into public since Spring 2020 despite having a trauma history of having my mouth and nose covered and being unable to take a breath. It’s my responsibility to myself and my community to stay safe(r), even when it’s hard…even when it triggers a trauma response.

When the mask mandate was dropped–the government kowtowing to business interests over our health–it made it so much harder to go into public. It’s hard to take precautions when it isn’t normalized, and it isn’t safe to be in crowds (such as a grocery store) when no one is masking. When healthcare settings dropped the mask mandate, I felt actually in danger. Going into Emergency or Primary Care settings where no one is wearing masks feels horrific. When I see a provider wearing a mask, I thank them in order to reinforce their behavior. (To all the people reading this who still wear masks, THANK YOU!)

See, I’m Disabled, low-income, have diabetes and a low immune system (low IgG), mast cell disease, and am fat. When I get sick, I get REALLY sick. Statistically, I am less likely to be prioritized by the healthcare system if there’s an outbreak that results in healthcare rationing. I also have caregivers who come into my home every day: they wear N-96 masks as well, but I still worry.

I was Disabled before COVID: I am mostly housebound. I’ve been isolated for years. It’s lonely, and I often couldn’t attend meetings in person. I stopped being able to work due to complex pain and chronic fatigue. I had trouble getting to therapy. Getting groceries was an almost impossible task for me even before COVID.

During COVID, suddenly it was more prevalent for my non-Disabled friends to be open to meeting and hanging out over Zoom. So my social and political world opened up. I was finally able to engage in organizing from my bed! I’m currently on a steering committee for a transitional house for LGBTQ2SIA+ people coming out of incarceration, and that is exciting and liberating. We meet remotely.I was able to see my friends’ faces when we talked, and they were open to chatting more frequently. Instacart was more normalized and I felt less guilty using it when I needed to.

I was able to start a Disability Justice and Racial Equity consulting business: Leaping Water. I can engage with colleagues around the country. I am able to work from home, which is an access need I have advocated for for years–to much resistance from the non-Disabled working world. Using Zoom was normalized, rather than fringe. So I’m able to do work and attend trainings and conferences and organizing meetings from my home, where I can breathe purified air and be comfortable with my legs up (an access need).

To be honest, I resented when non-Disabled people complained about being newly isolated and burdened by remote work, remote socializing, remote conferences, remote anything. “It’s just not the same as being together in person!” they lamented. While I have empathy, it felt like a slap in the face to all of us who have been struggling to connect to the outside world for decades…even longer for our Disabled elders. Moreover, having these activities be remote OPENED UP MY WORLD. Finally, my access needs were being met.

So, COVID has been a mixed bag. I’m worried about getting it, especially because of the potential impacts of Long COVID, but the pandemic also forced structural changes that Disabled people have been advocating for for years. I just hope those structural changes are here to stay. With the mask mandates being lifted, it feels like non-Disabled people are going back to their version of “normal,” while the rest of us are left behind. Please don’t leave us behind.

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationEssayIdentity & Social ChangeInspiration & HopeMental Health/WellbeingOrganizing & Movement Building

Medium: Written

Author: Rebel Fayola Black

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

Rebel Fayola Black (he/him) is a multiracial, zami, fat, Disabled, gender expansive, survivor femme educator, space-holder, and access artist. Growing up in Cincinnati Ohio, Rebel saw first-hand how his communities were impacted by racism. The police murder of Timothy Thomas in 2001, and the rebellion in his (& Rebel’s) neighborhood that followed, were wake-up calls. Since that April, Rebel has focused on studying, practicing, and reflecting on liberation work: be it around race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other experiences.

Written Story by Rabia Jabarkhil

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The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 led to significant changes in the way people live, work, and interact with one another. Social distancing measures, lockdowns, and restrictions on gatherings have resulted in widespread feelings of isolation and disconnectedness. However, amid these challenging circumstances, communities have come together, adapting and finding innovative ways to maintain connections, support one another, and alleviate the impact of isolation.

Technology has played a pivotal role in maintaining community connections during the pandemic. Virtual platforms and communication tools have become lifelines for individuals and communities, enabling people to stay connected despite physical distances. Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have become commonplace for work meetings, online classes, and social gatherings. These platforms have bridged the gap between people, allowing them to see and interact with loved ones, friends, and colleagues, providing a sense of normalcy.

Communities have rallied together to create support networks for those who are vulnerable or in need during these challenging times. Local organizations, volunteer groups, and neighborhood associations have organized initiatives to provide essential supplies, groceries, and medication to those unable to leave their homes. These acts of kindness and solidarity have helped combat the feeling of isolation, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. Also, the pandemic has witnessed the proliferation of online communities focused on shared interests and hobbies. Platforms like Reddit, Facebook Groups, and online forums have seen an increase in users seeking connection and support. These communities provide spaces for individuals to share experiences, discuss common interests, and find solace in knowing they are not alone. Whether it’s a book club, a fitness group, or a mental health support forum, these online communities have offered a sense of belonging and camaraderie during a time of physical separation.

The pandemic has also spurred creativity and innovation in maintaining community connections. People have organized virtual concerts, art exhibitions, and online performances, allowing artists to share their work and audiences to enjoy cultural experiences from the comfort of their homes. Local theaters have live-streamed performances, museums have offered virtual tours, and musicians have hosted online concerts. These creative endeavors have not only entertained and inspired individuals but have also brought communities together, fostering a shared sense of appreciation for the arts.

Recognizing the toll of isolation on mental health, individuals and communities have made concerted efforts to support one another emotionally. Mental health helplines, online counseling services, and virtual support groups have emerged, providing a crucial lifeline for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Communities have organized wellness challenges, meditation sessions, and mindfulness workshops to promote emotional well-being and encourage self-care practices. These initiatives have not only supported individuals in need but have also strengthened the fabric of community connections.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, with isolation and disconnectedness becoming prevalent issues in communities worldwide. However, in the face of adversity, communities have risen to the occasion, leveraging technology, fostering support networks, and nurturing a sense of togetherness. By embracing virtual platforms, creating online communities, and supporting one another’s mental health, individuals have found ways to connect, support, and uplift each other during these trying times. As we navigate the ongoing pandemic and beyond, it is essential to continue fostering these community connections, ensuring that no one feels isolated and that everyone can find solace, support, and a sense of belonging within their communities.

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationEssayIdentity & Social ChangeInspiration & HopeMental Health/Wellbeing

Medium: Written

Author: Rabia Jabarkhil

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Written Story by Jack

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My journey with long COVID was an arduous one, filled with physical and emotional challenges that tested their resilience. After contracting COVID-19, I initially believed that their symptoms would gradually subside, just like those of many others who had recovered from the virus. However, as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, it became evident that their battle was far from over.

Chronic fatigue plagued , I making even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable. Their energy reserves were depleted, and the constant tiredness became an ever-present companion. Additionally, muscle pain became a persistent reminder of the toll the virus had taken on their body. Each step felt like wading through quicksand, as if their limbs were burdened with invisible weights. Simple movements that were once effortless became excruciating.

However, it wasn’t just the physical symptoms that took a toll on my daily life. Cognitive difficulties began to manifest, leaving them struggling with brain fog and memory lapses. Simple conversations became a challenge as they grappled to find the right words or recall recent events. This cognitive fog cast a shadow over their professional life, making work tasks overwhelming and causing frustration and self-doubt to seep into their mind.

Determined to find answers and support, I reached out to local healthcare providers in Oregon who specialized in long COVID care. They sought the expertise of doctors who had witnessed the prolonged effects of the virus firsthand and could offer guidance on treatment options. Collaborating with these professionals, I developed a comprehensive care plan tailored to their specific needs.

The treatment plan encompassed a combination of medical interventions and therapies. I underwent various tests and evaluations to identify potential underlying health issues exacerbated by long COVID. Medications were prescribed to manage specific symptoms and address any complications that arose. Physical therapy became an essential part of their routine, helping to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and alleviate the persistent muscle pain.

While medical treatments played a crucial role, I discovered that support from fellow long COVID survivors was equally invaluable. They sought out local support groups in Oregon where they could connect with others who understood the unique challenges they faced. In these groups, I found solace, validation, and a sense of belonging. Sharing their experiences, struggles, and victories became a lifeline, offering a support network that understood the physical and emotional impact of long COVID.

I embarked on their journey of resilience, they faced setbacks and moments of despair. There were days when progress felt agonizingly slow, and doubts crept in. But with each step forward, no matter how small, their determination grew stronger. They celebrated even the tiniest victories, whether it was a slight increase in energy levels or successfully completing a physical therapy session without immense pain.

Over time, I perseverance and the support of healthcare professionals and fellow survivors began to yield positive results. The chronic fatigue gradually lessened, allowing them to engage in activities they had once enjoyed. The muscle pain, while still present, became more manageable, and the cognitive difficulties began to improve as the brain fog lifted.

Journey with long COVID in Oregon serves as a testament to the power of resilience, tenacity, and community support. Through their determination to seek answers and find support, they slowly regained their strength and worked towards a better quality of life. Their story stands as a beacon of hope for others navigating the challenges of long COVID, demonstrating that healing and improvement are possible with the right resources, treatment, and a supportive community by one’s side.

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationEssayHealth CareInspiration & Hope

Medium: Written

Author: Jack

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I am author and working in community development services

Written Story by Oluwatosin Oginni

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Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on family connection: Community Connection and Isolation

The experiences and impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are ones that I will not forget very quickly. This is because it has really changed my perspectives about the importance of communal living and the support that comes from the community, which we often take for granted. My wife became pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic period and as a result, we were confined to stay at home. Being our first time of been pregnant, there were many things we did not know about pregnancy that we could have learned based on meeting people daily. Two inexperienced people living together all day every day, not having anywhere to go, really pushed the boundaries for us as my wife’s mood swings were changing due to the baby’s growth and I was the outlet for her to vent her frustration. So, I learnt to become very patient and calm to understand that many things were going on with her which were beyond her control. Another experience I could not forget easily was having to decide on whether my pregnant wife should get the COVID-19 injection. This was a scary decision as there were no pieces of medical evidence to prove if the injection will impact the unborn baby. Given that I was responsible for grocery shopping, which in turn means I will be interacting with people, I was both at risk of contracting the virus and bringing it home to my wife. So, the decision we made was for me to get vaccinated so I can protect myself and in so doing protect my wife and the unborn baby. My wife ended up getting vaccinated later after the baby’s arrival.

The saddest part of my COVID-19 experience was when my wife gave birth to our baby, and we couldn’t get her mom to come over to assist her with the newborn as well as help her with the fresh wounds from her Caesar Section delivery. It was a bittersweet experience for us. On one hand, we were happy that we have a new baby joining the family, and on the other hand, we had to tend to my wife’s wounds as well as cater for the baby. How do we bathe the baby? The baby was so tiny and fragile. Even though we were taught how to bathe him at the hospital, it flew over our heads when we got home and were faced with that responsibility. This would have been easy with the help of grandma. Both lo and behold, she was denied visa multiple times. This was when it dawned on me that often time, we take community for granted. At this moment, we needed help, while people may be willing to help, they were afraid of contracting COVID-19 as well as not to transmit the same to other people. However, we were able to go through all these experiences unscathed as we now relied on the use of video calling for guidance from grandma.

Furthermore, a more painful part of the covid-19 pandemic was the loss of my dear mum. She took ill during the period of our pregnancy, and we feared taking her to the hospital due to the higher chances of contracting the virus at the hospital, which may end up exacerbating the situation, given that she was in her sixties and older people in that age range were highly susceptible to COVID-19. The news of her death broke me to the core. She was very dear to me, and I had wanted her not only to see my child but to hold him in her hands. I never got that opportunity. I remember holding the baby in my hands in the labor room and breaking down in tears because my mum was not alive to see my child. That moment is still very vivid in my memory, and it is so sacred to me that I will not forget it anytime soon.

COVID-19 pandemic led to so many restrictions which I believe were anti-human/anti-communal living. It really showed that human beings were not meant to live in isolation. We are built to live together as a community, to love one another and enjoy the assistance of other people. My experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic were not so pleasant. While I do not always want to overtly dwell on those experiences, this storytelling project has given me the opportunity to reflect on those experiences and how I have been impacted as well as how it has shaped my priorities in life.

Tosin

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationDisability/ImmunocompromisedEssayGrief & ChangeHealth CareMental Health/Wellbeing

Medium: Written

Author: Oluwatosin Oginni

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

I am originally from Nigeria and I have a wife and a young son. We live in Hillsboro where I work as a process engineer. When I am not working, I spend time with my family watching movies and playing.

Written Story by Anonymous

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Course Schedule

Spring 2020 – French 340: Oral Skills

An advanced study in moving mouths around unfamiliar vowels

We watch the professors tongue hit his teeth, not like that mais comme ça

Sent home to distinguish pronunciations through delayed Zoom connections

Updating our vocabulary; contagieux, unprecedented, pandémie

Even en français these words can’t be romanticized

There is no skill in communicating the worry of unknowns

Only empathy and patience as time strides by and stays put

Why do we entertain the fanfare of academia in times like these

The only test I can bear to take is being withheld by our government

What do grade point averages mean to ghosts

Summer 2020 – Arts 310: Living with Dying; Analyzing HBO’s Six Feet Under

Syllabus finalized in early spring, seats filled before the hospital beds did

Somber introductions and acknowledgement of newly found relevance

Binge watching episodes between planning memorials

I’ve been waiting 15 years to stop whispering about death

But even now as we yell, they don’t listen

My final project is a business plan; implementing grief education in schools

There is beauty in creating the structures we wish we’d had

And anger in knowing our pain doesn’t necessitate change

I am no stranger to death

I know there are much worse things to face

Fall 2020 – French 400: Linguistics

Apocalypse, from the Greek apokalyptein, “to uncover”

Etymology turning despair to opportunity

The clarity of interconnectedness cannot be unseen

How can our words keep up with circumstance

Do we dare attempt to articulate our fragmented realities?

I study language to collect descriptors,

Work in health because care transcends translation.

Indefinitely distanced, I seek connection through expression

Covid dismantled my lexicon and sense of community

I rebuild them both

Themes:

Community Connection & IsolationGrief & ChangeHealth CareIdentity & Social ChangeInspiration & HopePoetryWork/Unemployment

Medium: Written

Author: Anonymous

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

having worked in a peer-led covid mitigation initiative on their university’s campus and graduating with a degree in language studies, this artist has been heavily contemplating the intimate relationship between health, grief, and artistic expression since 2020. they value community built on solidarity and creativity.

Written Story by Myat

Back to Stories search

In March of 2020, Covid19 descended in our community much like any other communities in Oregon. The entire community went into lock down just like the whole State and Country did. We entered into survivor mode in effort to combat and educate community members about this terrible pandemic. This was not easy and it required cooperation of everyone. As a community our first and primary duty was to assure that everyone is safe and protected. We followed every single guideline as given without exception. We also resulted in using traditional healing mechanism for preventing getting this terrible disease. One of the best way was to protect ourselves from getting a cold which could result in possibly weakening the body and making it susceptible to getting infected. So we consumed everything that will fortify our bodies ans health. One of the simplest remedies used was to boil a combination of lemon, ginger, onion, and garlic and then add a spoon of natural honey. This was the perfect combination to make the body not susceptible to cold. This little an simple remedy worked like magic. We also formed an alliance in our community towards protecting our community members. This was meant to assure that everyone was healthy. We connect via frequent phone calls, via social media such whatsapp very often if not daily. We did drive by to our community members that to assure more visibility and assurance that everyone was doing well. It doesn’t mean that member did not get sick, it simply means that we kept an open communication to assure that if a community member was to get convid19, we will sick resources to assure that he or she is has all the care they need. This was not a simple endeavor since there was still some stigma about covid19 as some people thought they will be shined if it discovered that they have been infected by Civid19. So we had to create a sense of community understanding that covid19 is a disease that no one is immune. At any particular time anyone could unfortunately get it. The most important this is that it matters to assure that anyone affected will get all care and help they needed to make sure the come though victorious. As a community we launched a campaign designed to informatio all community members on facts about covid19, and possible remedies including self care. This became the most important mission of community elders to assure that our community stays unified and in keeping everyone safe. This involved frequent phone calls, frequent chats and once in while a get together in socially distanced way. All of these measures were meant to stay connected and stay current by ensuring the well-being of community members. One of the best weapon we realized was education. Education provided knowledge, shared values, collaboration, and understanding that no one was alone. In this circumstances assuring that every member was well and healthy was all we needed to accomplish our goal. This is often a long term project for community well-being.

Themes:

Care & COVID 19Community Connection & IsolationEssayGrief & ChangeHealth Care

Medium: Written

Author: Myat

Date Submitted: November 28, 2023

Bio:

Myat Thiri Aye, Medical Doctor, age 46

story by sc

Sorted by: Theme: Community Connection & Isolation

Written Story by Sage-Curry

Written Story by Jack

Written Story by Oluwatosin Oginni

Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on family connection: Community Connection and Isolation

Written Story by Myat

Sorted by: Theme: Community Connection & Isolation

Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on family connection: Community Connection and Isolation

Course Schedule

Spring 2020 – French 340: Oral Skills

Summer 2020 – Arts 310: Living with Dying; Analyzing HBO’s Six Feet Under

Fall 2020 – French 400: Linguistics

English Translation

Kinyarwanda Transcription