WOSU's Letters from Home collects stories about day-to-day lives during the coronavirus pandemic. This week, we heard from Ohioans who shared reflections on decisions they've made in light of COVID-19.
Bonnie Gerardi from Pickerington
I've decided to go ahead and retire. I wasn't planning to do that for a couple more years. My husband has dementia and his adult day care suspended their services indefinitely due to the pandemic, so I've been taking care of him full time while also trying to work full time. Trying to do both got to be too hard.
I'm actually glad it turned out this way. I have really enjoyed being with him all day as opposed to working, and he has responded extremely well to my being there for him. It turned out to be good medicine.
Anonymous from rural Ohio
My decision is more revelation. Although chronologically I am “old,” I have never considered myself as such. I’m beginning to reconsider this. Yesterday, I downloaded a living will form and spent quite some time thinking about how I want my last days and minutes to be.
I have located a booklet titled “Getting Your House in Order” and have recorded in it vital information like attorney and accountant names and numbers, passwords, retirement accounts, etc. I have told my grown children where the information can be found (bottom drawer, left-hand side of the desk). All this is received with a heavy sigh and a, “Yes, Mother.” But as I’ve said many times before, “Someday you’ll thank me!”
Anonymous from Columbus
After spending several years caring for my young children, I chose to relaunch my career. I had been considering the shift for a while, but the pandemic brought the benefits to the forefront: In the worst of times, I could attempt to float our family should my husband suffer a layoff. In the best of times, we could afford a house large enough to accommodate our growing family without (literally) bumping into each other, serving as home and school and office, as needed.
I’ve enjoyed the newfound financial freedom and renewed sense of purpose, and the kids have flourished in their daycare’s small class sizes, but I continue to be consumed with scheduling concerns about the upcoming school year, and the fear of them catching or spreading COVID. Plus, I just miss them.
Katie Marie from London, Ohio
Homeschooling, not just assisting with virtual learning, but actually teaching my oldest for Kindergarten. Anxious but excited!
This week, Letters From Home continues asking the question: What decision have you made because of the pandemic?
Answer this question using the form below, and try to keep below 1,000 words. Your response may be edited for length and clarity.
