For better or worse, COVID-19 has changed our lives this past year. Readers of The Reporter share their experiences and discuss what’s helped them cope. Stories have been edited for clarity. — Editor
From medical emergencies to joy
COVID has been a somersault for our family. On Feb. 13, 2020, I unexpectedly suffered a heart attack. I had been struggling for months whether or not to retire from VUSD (Vacaville Unified School District). Well, I signed my papers at my dining room table, and 10 minutes later I had a heart attack out of the blue.
I was rushed to the hospital and spent 10 days in ICU at NorthBay Fairfield.Thankfully, my daughter Caitrin remembered to turn in my retirement papers on Feb. 14, the next day, to qualify for a substantial retirement incentive offered this year only.
While in the hospital, I had plenty of visitors every day and was seen by numerous specialists. People were in and out of my room all day and night. The only thing forbidden was flowers. The love and prayers of family and friends got me through it.
Seven months later I was again in the ER with cardiac symptoms. Boy, was it different! My husband Tommy dropped me at the entrance and no one was allowed to accompany me into the ER. There were a lot of sick, lonely people isolated there and I was given a COVID test immediately.
I don’t know what would have happened if it was positive. I was admitted to a private room, and one nurse came and went. No visitors allowed! Luckily, I was discharged the next day, but while in bed, I kept thinking how truly horrifying it would be to die alone, with no one to comfort me. My family shared that they too were devastated they could not come to me.
Almost a year later, our first grandchild was born — Bennett Richard Bussart! So out of COVID horror came true joy as well.
My brother who lives in Arizona called to tell me he was now getting by watching really old TV shows. So I started too. I have spent COVID watching and really enjoying shows like, “Murder, She Wrote,” “Matlock,” and Hallmark mysteries. It seems like a simpler time, and I’m not just talking about COVID here. I can’t seem to switch over to modern movies and TV shows yet.
I too have been baking up a storm, mostly chocolate recipes I admit. Because of my cardiac rehab, which is mandated, supervised exercise, I have lost almost 50 pounds. Go figure!
Maggie Vadnais, Vacaville
Teachers supporting teachers
I have been teaching online since last spring. Since then, I have become a lot more tech savvy; still there is always more to learn to be really good at teaching online. It isn’t easy keeping students engaged and learning all that they need to know through distance learning. Students want hands on learning experiences.
Throughout the year I have put together supplies for my students that allow them to get off the computer to do art, science and math activities. Thanks to DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit organization, my students have received materials such as watercolors, markers, motors, batteries, and even rocks to start their own rock collection! They love it when they hear they are getting another bag of goodies!
Talking to my teacher friends, we all agree that this year has felt like our first year of teaching; having to learn so many new ways to teach and the stress that goes with it. To relieve some of the stress, a few of us started a self care day, where we get together (online) once a week (unless we have report cards or other added work to do) and lately, learning watercolor techniques from a kindergarten teacher and myself.
Early on we did some cooking lessons. I learned how to cook pancit, lumpia and chicken tikka masala from fellow teachers. It is a time for us to unwind, talk, laugh, create, and enjoy each other’s company. Like my teacher friend, Jen says, “It’s much more than just painting. It’s about sharing and bonding and laughing and touching base with one another.”
Beverly Black, Vacaville
All about love, family
What a year it has been. Mid-March 2020 my dad Blanchard Rogers came home from the Vacaville Kaiser hospital after a bout with Pneumonia. Thank goodness it wasn’t COVID-19.
I moved in with my dad for a month with his girlfriend Arlene Dodson. I was able to assist my dad with nurse appointments, physical therapist visits, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and keeping them apart because of COVID-19. They were both good patients. My accommodations were a great big screen TV in my room, clean sheets and spending special time with dad and Arlene.
As our parents age, they certainly are independent and pretty self-sufficient. It is good to know that they need me at this time and we have bonded in a special way. With the help of Arlene’s daughter-in-law (Carol Dodson) and good friends (Anne and Joe Lopez) and my sister (Susan), they have made the transition easier.
I also have a very supportive boyfriend (Gil Lopez) who has supported me during this past year. We all enjoyed sharing the many quiches from Wren’s café. I think I delivered at least 40+ to friends and family. We also enjoyed the fresh peaches
from Brazelton Ranch (picked up from Hank & Hazel’s) that we delivered to friends that were uncomfortable leaving their homes.
So here we are a year later and I’m still grocery shopping for them, assisting with some food prep. Dad loves to cook and has even shared some special meals with me.
With social distancing, mask covers, and staying close to home we are all surviving. Now on occasion dad and Arlene can have brunch at Merchant and Main and visit his sister Margaret out in the county. Dad and Arlene are delighted to be able to get their hair cut so now they can make a fashion statement.
I am semi-retired and work three days a week. Following all protocols. We are all blessed that we are getting thru this. We have all had our first vaccine and looking forward to getting the second one. Hope this story finds everyone safe.
Thank you dad and Arlene for always being there for me. I appreciate everything you do.
Candy Kraft, Vacaville
Family jewels make beautiful memories
When I was a child, my grandmother, whom we called Mom, made a vintage jewelry Christmas tree picture.
She made it at a class at the Vacaville Senior Center. I wasn’t really a fan of it at that time, however, over the years it grew on me as she proudly hung it on the wall each Christmas.
When Mom passed, my sister was the lucky recipient of the picture. I have enviously admired it each winter at my sister’s mountain home in Indian Valley. Both my grandmother and my mother gave me a lot of their jewelry before they passed. I
cherished this jewelry but would not wear most of it as it was not my style. So, I had the idea to make a vintage jewelry Christmas tree picture, like Mom did, and I could enjoy looking at their jewelry with wonderful memories of them.
I thought I didn’t have enough jewelry for the project so, for several years, I have been buying vintage jewelry at the Sac Antique Faire under the highway, various thrift stores and Clipper Cargo. I never seemed to have the time to start my project, but kept buying vintage jewelry here and there.
Well…..along came the COVID-19 pandemic and, as we started our quarantine at home, I thought this would be the perfect time to work on my jewelry tree. Turns out I had more jewelry than I needed, so I made a jewelry wreath picture also. There are many pieces that evoke loving memories.
I remember seeing my grandmother wearing the red rectangle shaped earrings, which are at the bottom of the tree. I think they look like little presents! I remember seeing my mother wearing the round rhinestone earrings, which are on each side of the red earrings, and the matching broach which is between the red earrings. I truly enjoyed
making these projects and hope that my daughter will love them someday….She’s not a fan at this time!
Georgia Samo, Vacaville
"share" - Google News
March 20, 2021 at 08:45AM
https://ift.tt/3tJSAmZ
Coronavirus: Readers share how COVID-19 impacted their lives - Vacaville Reporter
"share" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2VXQsKd
https://ift.tt/3d2Wjnc
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Coronavirus: Readers share how COVID-19 impacted their lives - Vacaville Reporter"
Post a Comment