The coronavirus outbreak has impacted lives across Kentucky. Whether through lost work, lost loved ones, or lost social interaction, everyone is feeling the effects of the pandemic.
Near the beginning of social distancing restrictions, WKU Public Radio asked for listeners to share their stories. Here are three of our submissions:
Amy Hardin
Hi, this is Amy Hardin from Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Laura Cohron
Hi, my name is Laura Cohron.
Judy Tabor
Judy Tabor, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Amy Hardin
Like most of our friends and neighbors, we are adjusting to working from home while also learning to provide non-traditional instruction to our nine-year-old son.
Laura Cohron
I wanted to share that I typically go to a yoga class on Tuesday afternoons. Yesterday, my yoga instructor experimented with the Zoom video program.
Judy Tabor
Because all social activities have halted and only walking and grocery visits are my only outside activities, I am in isolation even though symptom free.
Amy Hardin
Our son is on the autism spectrum. And, while he is high functioning, having a routine is of utmost importance to keeping him on track. We have tried our best to create a new normal schedule for him. And so far it's gone pretty well, with just a few hiccups.
Laura Cohron
So I loaded the app on my phone, and I propped my phone on the floor in front of my mat and we connected, and it was a really great experience with Zoom.
Judy Tabor
As a senior, I'm aware of increased sitting, so I've greatly reduced my food consumption and have made great use of my old mini-trampoline. I miss my beloved chair yoga classes at Parks and Rec. I miss my beloved library.
Amy Hardin
The main project we are working on right now is spring break. We had plans to travel next week with family and our son was very excited about that. To alleviate some of the disappointment of not traveling, we've decided to have a spring break around the world right in our home.
Laura Cohron
Early on in the class, my cat came wandering in and was fascinated by the activity on my phone. And he put his nose up to the screen of my phone and watch the instructor for a while. So my little video square on the Zoom screen, for most of the class had this humongous cat face looking at everyone instead of mine.
Judy Tabor
I stocked up before the library closed. But what would panic me is if that stock runs out before the library reopens, I consider the library an essential service. I miss my former house and the many hours spent gardening.
Amy Hardin
We've ordered a 10-foot Eiffel Tower so we can picnic in Paris one day. We're going to build a volcano and make leis, and learn to hula dance one day on our virtual trip to Hawaii. And, weather permitting, we're going to set up a tent in our backyard, and pretend we're camping in one of America's beautiful national parks.
Laura Cohron
You've got to find your humor where you can, and it was just hilarious to see that cat face among all those little videos squares.
Judy Tabor
Mental health is maintained by a gratefulness practice. There is much for which I'm grateful. But, in the interest of time, will mention only a few: the care my daughter is showing for me, my health, the good weather, my mini trampoline, public radio, and the time to think about my stressors and how to mitigate them.
You can share your story with WKU Public Radio by following instructions avialable here.
