Life During COVID-19

COVID-19

It’s crazy to think about how long we have been made to wear masks in public, staying 6’ aways from each other, not being able to see relatives, and feeling like or society has been shut down. It is our “new norm” and its seem unbelievable how we have had to adapt, and do so quickly.

It’s weird for me to think about how I was in Spain right as COVID-19 was hitting Italy hard. I remember additively watch some quick news report on a t.v. in a bar in Madrid and thinking to myself, “ this is ridiculous… once again the media is blowing this majorly our of proportion.” Little did I know that weeks later I along with everyones life was going to be turned upside-down, and life as we knew it was going to change for the unforeseeable future. I recall this happening so quickly that for me I felt like I was kind of always playing catch up as to how sever this really was. My girlfriend all of a sudden heard that her school might be closing, only to find out days later that we was for sure closed with no sight of the school reopening in the near future. “The school will be closed for the unforeseeable future…” is what they told her. Restaurants and bars we knew where closing left and right, before everyone was told to close down shop unless they were essential. My soccer league, something that I do very often was canceled as well. Life changed so quickly for all of us, and as I sit here and write this on May 5th, although some sign show we are going to try and start slowly getting life back to normal… I really question is this is yet possible. Numbers of positive COVID-19 positive tests are going up, along with the number of death, not to mention we do not have a cure or a vaccination that is for sure working. Is now the time to start trying to go back to our normal lives or are we setting ourselves up for disaster? It’s scary to say only time will tell. I very much hope for the best.

In the midst of all this I found myself not just scared for others and myself, but also very much fascinated with

what was happening around us, and how we all were dealing with what we couldn’t hide from. Everyday it seemed like I would talk to someone about COVID-19 and how their lives had change because of it. It was very fascinating to me to see the spectrum of peoples reactions to this all. Some who went into serious lock down mode not leaving there house unless they were medically ill. They have groceries delivered which they spray with disinfectant before they bring the bags into the house, etc… and then there were those who didn’t change their lives at all. Acting as if this was a college Spring Break and just don’t give this a second thought. I don’t judge anyone in hearing these things. I think I fall on the much safer end, however like some I am not concerned with going outside. I do believe that proper protection is necessary but that is also just my opinion. Again, it goes back to how everyone is dealing with this in there own way.

This fascination let to the idea of a photo project that I wanted to do during this social distancing that looks at others perspectives and not just knowing how I feel, and how my life has altered. I debated doing this knowing that some would think it’s a bad idea leaving my home for what really is just a personal project. Although I knew I could do this safely and respectfully I did confide in some of my friends who are doctors and nurses to see if they felt this was a horrible idea or not. I was actually somewhat surprised that they felt if I wore my mask and kept my distance that what I had in mind was not a bad idea. I kind of looked at this as having someone of higher powers blessing and started talking to friends and family and started scheduling little shoots. Here are some of the result I got from this project so far.

When It comes down to it I really miss everyone. This has been hard I me but I know way harder on others and I truly feel for them. If you have not already, and if you can… give to a nonprofit organization you really believe in, and one that you know will be able to help those truly in need right now. I personally support the Hunger Network for Greater Cleveland. I additively work for then on a freelance basis, but I do also sincerely believe in the work they are doing, and see the effect of their efforts first hand.

I hope you all are well, and I hope everyone is staying safe. I look forward to seeing you all again in person when we can safely do so. Thanks for reading!