Megan Clark describes how the COVID-19 crisis has affected her life
When COVID-19 started to emerge as a thing, I had decided I would just wait it out in Chicago like most of my friends and colleagues. But after a few days at home in an 11th floor, one-bedroom condo, the thought of no fresh air or ability to really escape without the use of an elevator made me reconsider that decision. Just before the shelter in place order came out, my dad drove to Chicago and picked up me, the perishable food from my house, a crate of Chicago books and resources to use while I worked out of my parent's house in Geneseo, IL. About a week before my "move" to Geneseo, my mom left Illinois for Wisconsin to be with my sister and her husband as they awaited the arrival of their child. So, three weeks later, here I am hanging out with my dad doing the shopping and cooking for the two of us.
Happily, my niece was born safe and sound earlier this week. We've FaceTimed and laughed and share pics, but my dad and I are eagerly awaiting the day when we get to meet (and hopefully hold) little Ellie for ourselves.
A friend of mine made the comment early on this, that the hardest part about all of this is feeling alone. When good things or bad things happen, we tend to come together in support of one another, and during this time we can't. It's not safe to, we could add to the problem by coming together. I know someday, we will be able to come together and stand side by side, laugh, and hug; but for now, I'll just smile, wave, and say "hugs from a safe social distance"!