Being visually impaired creates isolation. The COVID-19 Stay-At-Home orders amplify that isolation.
I am typically an upbeat person even in adversity, but the past two months have me feeling the blues.
Zoom, Skype, Highfive, Facetime, etc.... are great, but since I can not see the screen clearly they are pretty much a more complicated phone call to me.
Like many, the sense of loss is heavy. My beloved career at the nonprofit, No Barriers USA is coming to an end at the end of June. It breaks my heart to be furloughed from a place I called home. I gave blood, sweat, and tears to the organization for a decade. Half of that time was volunteering.
Being someone who has a disability the thought of job hunting is beyond terrifying. The statistics pre-pandemic of unemployment/underemployment was over 70%. I imagine that statistic will be close to 90% or higher post-pandemic.
The 2020 Lions Clubs International Convention was canceled due to the pandemic. The convention was to be held in Singapore. It was going to be a trip of a lifetime. It hurts my heart to lose this incredible opportunity and experience.
Although my losses have been heavy my blessings have been great.
My 52nd birthday was in March and friends showered me with kind words, cards, flowers, and gifts.
Metric Motors in Loveland, Colorado generously fixed a list of items on our aging car and gave us a gift certificate for King Soopers.
The 6NE Lions sent a check that reimbursed me for my husband's Singapore flight when United refused to do the right thing.
My little sister sends me small care packages which almost always include chocolate.
My dear friend, Michael left a bottle of hydrogen peroxide on my porch knowing it is the only solution I can use for my scleral lense.
My friend, Lorna Watts created and gave me masks to wear to keep me safe.
My little Jewish friend calls or texts me every single day to check up on me.
A stranger paid our City of Loveland bill.
An inspiring friend gave me critical advice on my Linkedin page.
Another friend offered me hourly contract work if I needed it.
I could go on and on.
I wanted to share that in this time of loss I wanted to share some gifts.
Be safe and stay strong.
