Navigating a new world with pride and community By Lee Ruggles Some of us have come to the realization that we have always felt that we needed another person’s approval to validate our existence. It’s not a new thing brought on by today’s near isolation, but the solitude imposed by these restrictions has allowed us …
By Stefanie Nguyen It is a general assumption that any relationship takes effort and communication—including friendship. These bonds between people require nurturing, attention and trust. In the past, proximity would be an important factor to keep relationships going, but luckily there is technology in the 21st century. Aspects including the internet and cellphones have allowed …
By Sandy Baker The message was brief. “I’m sorry, you can no longer schedule an appointment with your heart failure doctor. He’s working towards retirement. We have several recommendations for you.” My husband, at the age of 43, has been waiting for a heart transplant for three years. We knew Dr. Young was getting older …
By Elly Mullins How to parent during a global pandemic? This is the topic of numerous discussions, debates, and commiserations about the many elements of parenthood that need to be juggled during these, erm, unprecedented times. How to co-parent during a global pandemic? This is a lesser discussed issue, unless you are someone who has …
By Elly Mullins I’ve been listening to the Hamilton soundtrack (and Mixtape) on repeat for the past 2 months of Pandemic Life. My four-year-old son is obsessed with the music, and he has been practicing his beat-boxing like he’s running out of time. One of the key elements from the musical is that Alexander Hamilton …
By Kelechi Udoagwu “When nobody wakes you up in the morning, and when nobody waits for you at night, and when you can do whatever you want. What do you call it, freedom or loneliness?” — Bukowski I am up at 2am, sipping tea and writing this article. Why? Because I dozed off at 9pm …
By Grant Simon 103 This number represents the days that passed between when my long distance girlfriend, Vali, and I left each other’s side in March and when we were reunited in July. We thought the first couple of days apart would be the toughest, but nothing prepared us to endure several months of uncertainty, …
By Lauren Lake It started as disbelief. Quarantine? In 2020? It began with a mad dash for toilet paper, paper towels and anti-bacterial wipes. I remember talking with my best friend who wisely advised me to stock up on over the counter medicines and shelf stable almond milk for my kids in case we couldn’t …
By Kelechi Udoagwu “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King I have joined and engaged with more online communities this year than ever before. As the corona virus crisis limited the spaces we could occupy physically, I have become more active online. …
Handy Traits in a Digital Age By Lee Ruggles A CAUTIONARY TALE I open my email. From Marcia: “Hello. Hope you are doing good today. Can I ask you for a favor? Thanks. Marcia” I reply: “Sure! Fire away.” Marcia: “I am sorry to bother you with this mail. I need to get an …