Living in a pandemic for a year
It has been a year since the pandemic has started, and for many people including their families it has been a rough year.
When California shutdown people favorite places, it was hard on some people because they were used to going out, and now have to think about not trying to get sick.
This whole pandemic made everything stop, and put a halt in peoples life.
From being in quarantine to following new restrictions, three people give their story on what it was like to be living during a pandemic with their own individual stories.
Tencha Esquivel, 77, has had lived in fear through most of the pandemic due to her being afraid to catch the COVID-19 virus. She said, “Ever since the pandemic happened I’ve been afraid to catch it and die because of my advanced age.”
Tencha during the pandemic had not left her house as she was afraid to be sick and did not want to chance anything.
She is heavily involved in her catholic church singing in her choir every Sunday for 10 years. “Well… The most challenging thing was missing out on church, not singing in the choir which I enjoyed very much.”
She is also a frequent movie watcher going to movies with her grandkids and daughters. Once California started closing all the entertainments she found it hard to be at home by herself. “It was difficult. Felt Like being a prisoner, can’t do anything outside like before. Just can’t enjoy any of my routines.”
Her whole family are movie watchers, so going to the movies during the week or weekend to see new releases is one thing she had missed.
For her to keep busy since she has been retired for 11 years being a teachers assistant; she has been watching her novellas, helping her ill daughters, and keeping in contact with her family. She has apple devices even though she likes the regular flip phones.
“Like everyone else taking it one day at a time, looking after my daughter who is sick, and making sure everyone in my family is okay.”
One thing Tencha had said she has learned after a year in the pandemic is appreciating more the freedom and not being afraid to go out that was taken away during the COVID. Not having that fear with afraid to get sick by just going to the market.
Next Alicia Rojas,48, has had her faith keep her in a positive mindset during the pandemic over the year.
She said “ Good, health wise I have been good. In the beginning mentally it was very difficult because of the restrictions and not being able to go out.”
Alicia is on disability because of her health issues, and because of her health issues it made it hard for her to go out.
For instance, “There was no availability to restrooms because of the pandemic and restrictions. And also because of a health issue, it is important that I have availability to the restrooms.”
She is a big fan of anything Disney and shopping, and for a year with those places closed it has been dearly missed by her.
Now that places are started to open she said, “Disneyland is a place I would like to visit soon. I really love shopping at Disneyland and being at Disneyland.”
All in all she said that it’s a good thing that places are slowly starting to get back to normal finally. Even with a few restrictions it is time everyone can start going on about their life.
One thing that she is grateful for after going through this year, is her family being healthy. That to not take granted of spending time with her family, and to enjoy the little things.
Alicia has a big family on both sides, and has 5 grandkids who she loves very much. She wanted to be safe for her family too make sure none of them got sick.
Finally, for me this whole thing going on right now has been hard first starting out with moving from going to college in person to then doing class online. But right now mentally and physically doing good.
To keep busy right now is just mainly going to school and going to work. Along with having the ability to play videogames online with some friends to pass the time.
Now that places are starting to open back up, I have been going to the gym and hanging on a few occasions with my friends and being out with my girlfriend who I met during the pandemic.
The most difficult part of this whole pandemic was not regularly seeing my family, and not visiting my mom who was in the hospital for two months because of a stroke she had.
Since the hospital had restrictions she was not allowed visitors, and was tough month not being able to be with her. But now she is home safe but has been the most difficult.
One thing I really missed was being able to play baseball in Sunday League with my dad and friend.
It was the one thing that I looked forward too during the weekend, and having the chance to play with my dad had always been something I wanted. But I am fortunate to have had played with him before the pandemic.
If their was one thing that I have learned are too not take for granted what you have cause you don’t realize what you have till it is gone.
The ability to go anywhere without fear of catching a virus that can kill you and have restrictions on some of your favorite places to go.
To be around your loved ones, and not be afraid to have a get together so you can see everyone in your family again.
Having the entertainment around you to going to concerts, sport games, and movie theaters.
Now I am just going to enjoy every moment I have now because like in a instance it can all be taken away.
