Dear Reader,
I received a lot of positive responses from readers like you after sharing stories two weeks ago from MLive staff members about how they were adjusting to work and life during the coronavirus shutdown.
You told me our stories were relatable – figuring out a new environment, working through feelings of disconnectedness, dealing with emotions, establishing routines. And you took me up on my invitation to share YOUR stories.
Like you relating to us, I think readers will find kinship in the stories many of you shared with me. Here is how you’re getting by:
How are you coping?
Cheryl Brill, Saline: I’m lucky in that I have a spouse and two older children to keep me company. I’ve also been able to Zoom happy hour, yoga and book club. Professionally, I’ve set up daily “coffee breaks” with members of my team, we have a FaceTime chat about life, not work.
Barbara Mack, South Lyon: I’m 77. … As I see the numbers rise, listen to Facebook, see family suffer, I’m extremely concerned. Yesterday my financial adviser called, recommenced I take a cut in my monthly allocation. With price increases and limited funds, how will I survive? Sanitary products are mostly nonexistent. So I’m overwhelmed.
Jeff Bleiler, Jackson (former MLive journalist): It's been difficult and familiar all at once. Difficult in the sense that I enjoy being in the office with my co-workers and being able to do things outside of work, like bowl and golf, without worrying about getting sick or possibly sickening others. Then again, my work-remotely experience from my MLive days really came in handy when the transition from office to home took place.
What is your greatest challenge?
Rev. Edward "Ike" Porter, Mattawan: Since physical touch, holding hand, a gentle hug and eye to eye contact are so important to me, how do I minister to a man who has lost his wife of 70 years? How do I touch a man and wife when the wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer and cannot get the surgical intervention necessary because of the risks? How can I bring the good news when most of my people are computer illiterate?
Terry Kennedy, Ann Arbor: Lack of movement, a quiet home. Playing ambient music helps. My husband works from home during this crisis so we both have to respectful of our voices when we are on conference calls.
Bonnie, Portage: I have a real problem with "not hugging.” I also love to shop. …
Mike Wood, Osceola County: I have survived cancer several times, it is part of life. This thing is at least 98% survivable. Let's get a plan to get as many people through it as possible while assuring a future for the country. Being in the high-risk group, I am willing to take my chances if it will help provide a future for my children and grandchildren.
What solutions have you come up with?
Jean Schluckebier, Frankenmuth Township: I keep myself occupied designing and making masks to distribute to health agencies.
Paul Wasek, supervisor of Williams Township (Auburn): Getting out and driving the township (without getting out of my truck) just to keep familiar with what's going on around me. O.K., Cedar Springs: Cleaning cupboards and drawers. Communicating with loved ones by phone and computer. I can sit outside in our beautiful weather right now, and walk, ride bike, etc. I am enjoying the specials on TV. Picking up my favorite food at drive-throughs.
E. Taylor, Flint: I’m 77 – Taking a daily walk for over an hour. We can and should go outside daily. Finding short/quick exercises for elder seniors on YouTube. Chair exercise, stretching, laughing and dancing daily.
We may be taking some different approaches, but I hope in some small way these voices help us all see that we’re in it together. And will get through it together.
MLive journalists are covering some of the grim news that is coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, but we also are sharing the good-news stories that are coming out of this crisis. You can read a collection of them here.
Keep it up, Michigan. You’re an inspiration. |