Items

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  2020-04-28

  Notes during Class 1

  This image is apart of a series of screenshots taken during lessons via Microsoft Teams.Teaching my third graders from afar has become a challenge and a blessing at the same time. None of us knew of Mr. Microsoft Teams until we were forced to meet him. The way he impacts our lives is sometimes frustrating and other times satisfying. Unlike classroom noise, the chat that goes on during lessons are now mixed in with the lesson and available for all to participate- including the teacher! It's silent and said with caution and other times daring. (I've blurred the faces and redacted the names to protect the students' privacy.)
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  2020-04-26

  COVID 19 Abandoned Building

  This picture was taken at an abandoned building along Highway 905 in Longs, South Carolina on my drive home from work. Being out of work for over two weeks made me eager to get back to work as a pet groomer achieve some sense of normalcy. Work can often be fast paced and the new requirement of masks and curbside-only pick-up made things a little different, but I looked forward to the drive home, which I usually use to clear my head and unwind. Seeing this made me realize that no matter where we go or what we do, COVID 19 will have a lasting impact that we may be reminded of in the least expected places. Hopefully this can be painted over in the future with something far brighter and encouraging.
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  2020-04-18

  Learning Patience at Lunch

  This is a picture of the Chick-fil-a drive-thru in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In an effort to abide by social distancing rules, I avoided going out to public places for the past two weeks but needed a small reprieve from isolation and went to get lunch on April 18, 2020. While the restaurant is usually very busy, I had never seen it this busy. The line wrapped around the building and out into the road into the turning lane leading to their parking lot. Although I am not a traditionally patient person, I realized that everyone was going through a similar experience and we were all in search or some sense of normalcy, or at least a chicken sandwich. I learned to be patient that day and appreciate the fact that Chick-fil-a was open when many places are not. Patience is something I think we have all learned in this process and I found it ironic that a fast food restaurant could teach me something I have struggled with almost thirty years. Taking the time to be appreciative of what we do have is far less exhausting than focusing on what we are without.
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  2020-04-16

  Grocery Store Shortages

  This was a photo of my local grocery store pasta sauce isle on April 16th. I know I have probably seen a dozen photos of the same or similar situations, but this really made me think about not only how I took the availability of items for granted, but also the people who work there and their frustration as well. Many grocery store workers are experiencing frustration and dread at work because of shopper irritation and frustration over unavailable items. There were obviously several choices left, but not what I usually use. That made me reflect on how we as a society become so entrenched in our own routine that we often forget the challenges that others experience all over the world and the complete unavailability of necessities that we take for granted. Shortages are a challenge to all of us and this has made me far more respectful of that fact and all those that are impacted by them.
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  2020-04-01

  Nurse During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  This picture is a picture of my mother who is currently a nurse and has been in the medical field for over thirty years. She has continued to serve her patients during the pandemic, despite the fact that she has a compromised immune system and is taking an enormous risk by continuing to serve. Her exposure to sick and ailing patients is a constant worry for my family, but we understand why she takes the risk and why she remains so dedicated to her work. On this particular day, I had messaged her to ask how things were going and she sent me this picture because they had finally received masks and gloves, which were extremely hard to find, even as healthcare providers. Here’s hoping to wider availability of the PPE that so many doctors and nurses rely on as their only line of defense against this devastating virus.
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  2020-04-01

  An Account of Pandemic Life

  I think it is time that we all look to our families and be thankful for the people and life we have been given because none of it is ever guaranteed. Each day we watch news reports vigilantly and hope for good news, but so far, there has been very little. Our lives have undoubtedly been changed and may never return to what we once knew as normal. However, the only way for us to move forward and collectively face this challenge is together. Being thankful for the sacrifices of ever person who continues to work and serve in their own capacity is essential to maintaining our increasingly fragile economy and community as a whole. There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel, right? All we can do is hope.