Today marks four weeks since life as we knew it changed, at least in this part of the world.
On the surface, it doesn’t look like a long time, but it has felt as such. I’m at the point where I’m starting to forget what life was like before this.
Even ads on the web and tv play warnings about social distancing and wearing masks as if it’s a normal part of life.
Standard operating procedure for the foreseeable future.
My moods have hit peaks and valleys since this whole thing has started. I’ve tried to maintain a sense of stoicism since we’ve been on lockdown, but there are some days where that’s not possible. The existential dread can get to you. It’s hard to know these days what the future will bring for us. How will life change? Or will everything go back to normal once this is all over?
Regardless, I still get out of bed. Luckily, my work keeps busy enough to avoid the dark days. Working from home is something I’m glad I can do through all this.
Throughout my career, I have always found that diving into your work can be therapeutic. I’ve always looked towards my job as a reporter to be a welcome distraction during the rough days. When shit gets rough, I often take solace in the task at hand.
Like most reporters, I dive into my work during times of crisis. This is something those in the news business are familiar with.
Overworked and underpaid on a good day, they set out to chase stories during the times most needed. They step up and do what they do best…they report the news.
Whether a distrusting public-at-large wants to admit it or not, it’s a vital service. Especially during times like these.
Since we’ve been stuck at home, I’ve taken solace that I can take that dive into my work. A lot is happening during this pandemic and it’s kept me busy and for that I am grateful. To work on something much greater than myself has helped me get through these long days. My work may not be changing the world, but these days, I’m doing what I do best… chase stories.
I’ve reported on small business owners who saw their way of life vanish overnight.
Veterans and 9/11 first responders spoke with me about the coronavirus and the vulnerability they face.
Truckers still on the road took my phone calls and told me how they feel a sense of duty. More than ever, they are a vital lifeline to the people of this country as they shelter-in-place.
Nurses on the frontline told me of their fight against an invisible enemy. Including one who worked triage at Ground Zero who said that this is much worse.
I’ve been grateful for the fact that I’m not aggregating the news but looking for the stories behind the stories. Telling the tales of everyday folk affected by a global event like this pandemic. They are the types of stories I am grateful to be chasing during days like these.
I’m chasing them from my kitchen table, but chasing new stories none-the-less. So I’ll keep waking up every morning and walk a few feet from my bedroom to the kitchen and get to work. It may not be much, But I’m glad to do my part and even more grateful to have the distraction during these dark days.