The Pandemic

by Vicky D.

The coronavirus brought a lot of changes and sadness to our lives. We are in a pandemic and everyone must shelter in place.

Many businesses closed, and people lost their jobs. Schools closed and children have to learn from home online. People must wear face masks, social distance, wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Lots of people got sick and had to go to the hospital. Families lost their loved ones because of the coronavirus.

When grocery shopping, there is no time to check around for good prices. We just get what we need, then leave the store quickly. People don’t go to church, movies, or restaurants anymore. Parks and museums are closed. We don’t get to visit our family or friends. I miss not going to my exercise classes.

When some of my neighbors bring something for me, they call to let me know they left something on my porch!

Sheltering in place has given me the time to garden and look for new recipes to cook for the international college students who stay at my home. Additionally, thanks to my tutor, I learned how to log onto Zoom. Now we can see and talk to each other when we meet.

Also, I go for walks in the neighborhood and enjoy seeing people’s gardens, especially this time of the year. The flowers are blooming everywhere and the fruit trees, too. Almonds, peaches, lemons, nectarines, and apricots surround the houses. Seeing the beauty of nature makes me feel peaceful and happy.

Now there is hope for a normal life to return. Many people have been vaccinated and more are getting vaccinated everyday. Schools and businesses are reopening and more people are going back to work. Hopefully, people can begin to recover from the negative effects of the pandemic and life will become more normal even though it will be slightly different in many ways than before the pandemic. Better days are coming.