Rambling on and Reflecting on Personal Transformation in a Global Crisis…

The evolution of things that happened when faced with the Covid Pandemic for me was surprising to say the least. It was a frightening time; it started with sickness that spread unseen, watching as death came and people fell at random to the disease. It was a time where ignorance and disbelief brought on my people in power trying to make light of a deadly and life-altering disease. I lost over thirty people from my high school graduating class to it. I watched as people ignored regulations and guidelines.

I found myself driving to the Covid vaccination site in Waycross to get my covid shots. It was a surreal place, with soldiers lined up, tents, and a drive-through clinic for shots to minimize infection. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie.

My life changed during covid in a way I did not see coming. As a widow who was at home most of the time, I suddenly found myself with a job. The inability to keep or find help that started during the pandemic only got worse and came with a plea from a friend who ran a couple of businesses: “HELP! I cannot keep help, please help me.” The next thing I knew, I was in a mask, behind the counter of a convenience store after over 30 years, working to help keep things going. It was good for me, but the job came with issues.

People became the issue. The pandemic caused widespread hate, ignorance, and those who decided anyone who wore a mask was “one of them.” Well, I am one of them—the informed, the educated, the I-will-do-as-I-should-to-help protect-us-all me. I saw the inflation, the fear, the people who rose to the challenge with doubt and worry, and those who were just naysayers.

I still find it hard to forget the trucks full of bodies, the people lost, some losing more than one family member. The changes I have had to deal with are those of people being distrustful, anxious, and sometimes hostile. Yet, I also noticed a shift in myself. I became more resilient and compassionate, learning to adapt and support those around me in ways I never expected. The pandemic forced me to step outside my comfort zone, take risks, and find new strength in adversity.

Looking back, I realize that Covid-19 changed not just my circumstances but also my perspective. I learned the value of community, the importance of following science, and the power of empathy in times of crisis. Despite the losses and challenges, I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and hope for the future, determined to honor those we lost by moving forward and helping others whenever I can.