Randi Kreiss

Readers tell their Covid stories in 50 words, or more

Posted

In the Dec. 2-8 issue, I invited readers to say how they were getting through the coronavirus pandemic so far, noting that all eyes were on the Omicron variant, and that our stories would surely evolve. Thank you so much for sharing these snippets of your lives.
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“Friendship got me through Covid. I would not have made it through this unexpected plot change in life without my peers. The sudden death of my dog put a wave of grief over me for months. My best friend brought light into my shadowy sadness.” — E.K.
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“‘So far’ are the operative words. No crystal ball here but by late February [2020] you could see it coming. Was still shocked by the incompetent and misleading, politicized government response and the willing denial by so many that killed and threatened. Read ‘The Great Influenza,’ spent months on the terrace and stayed as isolated as we could. Got a puppy.” — T.G.

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“During the early days, I would take long walks in the early morning to clear my thoughts. As time went on, I would run into other walkers, with many of us stopping to say hello and ask if everything was OK. On Thanksgiving 2020, a group of us got together outside and set up our tables six feet apart. We couldn’t be with family, but were happy to have found new friends.” — Anonymous
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“I was reminded of all the things I used to love about myself. I read more than I had in years. I had genuine conversations with my family, who, despite living in the same house for years, never were quite on the same page. Most important, I was aware of all I had taken for granted: I was finally satisfied with the life I had created for myself. I was reminded of the little girl who smiled and laughed and loved herself.” — R.G.
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“I feel blessed just being here in Merrick with my mom, Rose, after losing my dad, Fred, to mantle cell lymphoma during the pandemic. As a resident of Australia, I had to secure a Travel Exemption from the Australian government to be allowed to board a flight to New York.” — L.H.
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“I temporarily moved next door to my daughter and her family in July 2020. They were expecting a baby in August. I was there to help them out and they were there, providing precious moments at a time I would have been isolated and anxious.” — Anonymous
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“We were three couples, close-by neighbors living in comfortable condos on the beach. We met every evening to talk, swim, have drinks and share extra supplies we were able to find. I painted every day. I have 42 completed paintings, three of which I sold. I let my hair grow out and am no longer a slave to my roots. My husband and I played board games.” — C.T.
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“I not only ‘got through’ the pandemic, I rather enjoyed the peace and serenity afforded by the lockdown. My life revolved around a few people with whom I really love doing things. I enjoyed cooking, reading, card and game playing, long walks. I see a definite beauty in stepping off the world, albeit temporarily.” —A.C.
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“At first I thought Covid would disappear quickly, but when I realized it was here to stay, I felt resentful. I’m 74, and I felt that a year and a half of my time was stolen from me while I locked myself inside. But I came to realize I was lucky. My family was healthy, and I didn’t have to go off to work. I just had to stay alive!” — B.C.
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“Minus side: masking, no city, travel, theater, movies, felt restriction of movement. Plus side: more quality time to spend with family and friends, read, needlepoint, dining al fresco, a slower pace and longer phone conversations, spending less but giving more.” — B.G.
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“Morning: television and telephone to family, friends. Afternoon: taking walks with husband through Cedarhurst. Evening: paint and write in a journal. I have kept seven journals — and I have tossed out two with the most negative thoughts.” — L.M.
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“Volunteering at the People Loving People Food Pantry in Oyster Bay was rewarding: It proved that during the most difficult times, people share with those less fortunate.” — K.G.
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“Dealing with the pandemic is a slam dunk when you’re never alone. Lola and Mackenzie are my two small, hairy best friends. Never more than a few feet from wherever I am, they are great listeners. We rarely disagree, and they think I’m a brilliant conversationalist.” — Anonymous

Copyright 2022 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.