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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Due to the pandemic, our little town (pop. 5,500) is facing many changes to its long-standing holiday traditions. Both the annual tree lighting ceremony and the Christmas parade were cancelled. Neighborhood caroling and holiday block parties are out of the question. An area church that usually hosts a multi-date walk-through Little Bethlehem is offering a drive-through version on two nights only. Stores, normally bustling with gift-seeking customers, are abnormally silent. Yet, one of the constants, even in the face of this deadly virus, is the lights that adorn houses and businesses in our community. Outdoor decorations were put in place much earlier this year than in the past—many families had their garlands, lights and inflatable scenes situated and shining prior to mid-November. These lights provide a welcome brightness in the dark of winter and lift the spirits of those weary of dealing with the coronavirus and all of its implications.
December 11, 2020
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Here it is Spring again, and for the second year I am watching my garden develop in much the manner it did a year ago, which brings the fact of a whole cycle of seasons gone by without family contact into finer focus. This is the hardest part of the pandemic for me - loss of family. This past week I got my second vaccine, which I feel fortunate to have received - freed, in a way, to not fear the virus for my own health so much, and it also makes me more nervous that my kids haven't yet been vaccinated, which is almost a role-reversal - parents should be able to look out for their kids' health and safety above all else, but this time I have no control over it. I hope their turn comes soon.
March 26, 2021