Thanks, COVID.

By Erin Peters

Thanks, COVID... No, really! No sarcasm here. If you ask people how COVID-19 has negatively impacted their lives, they could undoubtedly list off a slew of examples. So what about when people were asked about how COVID-19 has positively impacted their 2020 year? That question is met with confused looks, a lot of, “umms,” and even a few folks saying that nothing good has come out of it. But when you really think about it, what are some things that never would have happened if it weren’t for the pandemic? 

There is no doubt that the Coronavirus has had horrible effects on our jobs, loved ones, mental health, financial stability, social lives, and physical health. This devastating pandemic has brought on a lot of loss and sorrow. If you have lost someone due to COVID-19, you have our deepest condolences. The reason for this article is to identify some light in our own lives during a very dark time, and it is not attempting to sugarcoat a really horrific situation. So let’s take this Thanksgiving season to “2020 edition,” and thank COVID-19 for something positive in your life that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the pandemic. Several locals were asked to share their perspectives below.

Reconnecting with Friends
Many people have taken time over the last nine months to reconnect with people they have fallen out of touch with. Some have written letters, reached out via text, or made efforts to FaceTime with friends that have fallen out of contact. Brian Greeley says that he has used this time to reconnect with old friends and find ways to show his compassion for them. Even though seeing people face-to-face is challenging right now, he is still able to find ways to connect. It seems almost impossible to meet new people right now, but some folks are getting creative. Sam Ng says she has gotten to know people, and reconnect with friends, through online gaming. If this hasn’t been something you’ve explored yet, take this holiday season to reach out to one person and tell them why you are thankful for them.

Rachel Amity’s beautiful watercolor artwork

Trying New Hobbies
When all the time in the world is given to you, what will you do with it? It may be time to get creative and try new things! Spencer Mair has gotten back into reading for fun. He says he used to be an avid reader when it came to school-work, but all this time has allowed him to pick up a book, and educate himself on topics that he finds interesting. Tashiana McFall says she has really found her voice during the pandemic, and has enjoyed finding confidence in her singing. This is something she may not have done if it wasn’t for time spent at home this year. Maybe you have deep-dived into a preexisting hobby. Kyle Johnson was not able to race his dirt bike at the beginning of the pandemic, so he used that time to work on his bike and rebuild the motor for himself. This way he wouldn’t have to take it in to get fixed up like he normally would, due to lack of time. Some people have gotten craftier this COVID-19 season. Rachel Amity shared about her exploration with watercolors and needlepoint. We have all been given the gift of time at home, so why not be creative?

Spending Time with Family
Spending so much time with family might seem exhausting, but think about how lucky you are if you have gotten to quarantine with loved ones! Yes, tensions may be high because you are confined to a space with them, but think about what it might be like for others who have spent most, or all, of this time away from family. Once again, let’s look at the positives. Susan McCourt says that her family has been eating dinner at the table together a couple of times a week, lighting a candle, and sharing a thought of gratitude. McCourt also mentioned that this tradition was dropped previously, due to busy schedules before the pandemic. She is grateful to have this shared time with her loved ones. While you may get stressed out with the close-quarters, reinforcing schoolwork with your little ones, and feeling stir-crazy while being around the same people every day, take a moment to think about one reason you are really grateful for having that. Not everyone is able to share those moments with people they love.

Jessica Dye and her son taking their bikes out for a ride

Getting Outdoors
Getting outdoors seems to be a very popular idea this year. We have heard time and again that COVID-19 is harder to spread when you are distancing outdoors. Many locals have taken this to heart and spent time in nature to be safe. Jessica Dye has gotten into road biking. As a mountain-biking family, Jessica and her family were slightly disheartened when trails closed initially. Instead of taking it as a loss, she spent time exploring the back-roads in Mosier on her brand new road bike. What a great way to see the glass half-full! Clara Hochstetler recently moved to The Dalles, and has been able to spend a lot more time taking walks around town. She is able to explore new places, which she probably wouldn’t have been able to before if there weren’t shutdowns. Now that it’s getting colder out, outdoor activities might be changing a little for you. Take advantage of those sunny days, and get outside when you can!

Kim Sullivan’s puppy, Hazel, enjoying all the time at home with her new family

Furry Friends
During the pandemic, you may have had the urge to get a companion of some sort. Marcus Swift in The Dalles and Jenni Bergemann in Hood River have both added cat friends to their homes. Bergemann says that the timing worked out great because they had been looking for a cat ever since last spring when their family’s cat passed away. She said that their new cat, Finnegan, is a great addition to the family, even if he does make several appearances during her Zoom calls! Kim Sullivan had never owned a puppy before, and said that “COVID-19 was actually a wonderful time to bring a puppy home.” Her family was able to be there with the puppy, watch her grow, help her learn, and give her lots of love. There was one time when her puppy, Hazel, got sick. Because of the pandemic, there were people at home to take care of her and make sure she was okay. That wouldn’t have been the case if it weren’t for the Coronavirus! There are so many animals that need love and adoption this season, so if you weren’t convinced yet, maybe you will be now! Just make sure that you will love this animal forever, even after the pandemic is over.

Working from Home
Working from home is a mixed bag for most. Some people don’t like that there is no separation between work-time and home-time, but others have been thriving with this adjustment. Rachel Tholl says that working from home is actually successful for a lot of people, and she hopes that it becomes an option and is more normalized in the future. Miles Havard shared that working from home has helped him de-clutter his space, and also his mind. “Cleanliness and organization go a long way for helping reduce mental ‘clutter’ that can bog us down day today. Having a clean space allows us to be mindful and in the present moment,” Havard shared. Whether you’re thrilled to work from home, would rather be at work, or if you would rather be at home but can’t be, consider what factors you can control. Figure out a way for you to find the most peace.

A photo from one of Christine Gough’s walks at Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis

Connecting With, and Taking Care of, Yourself
Depending on your situation, you may have experienced more alone time now than you ever have. As usual, we can choose to look at the negative side of that: less time with friends, fewer moments spent with extended family, loneliness, etc. Or, we could really think about what positive outcomes have shown through. Christine Gough is a great example of this. She takes time out of her busy schedule with her family to go on walks, buy herself flowers, and light candles to unwind. Gough also shared with me that she has found the importance of taking care of herself. She scheduled her annual physical exam, which she had put off for the last several years, and had to get several tests done and follow-up appointments scheduled. Luckily, everything is fine, but she would not have known about those impending health risks if she had not taken time to take care of herself. Gough wants to stress the importance of putting your health before your busy life, and take care of yourself always. Sergio Lopez shared that he has also taken a lot of this time to really focus on his health, as well as his faith. Spending time alone can help you reconnect with yourself and reflect. Take time to do little things that are for you, and that help boost your mental, emotional, and physical health.

It is a simple task to quickly list off all the bad effects over the last nine months, but when you really take a moment to pause and reflect, there are good things that have come out of this year. If you disagree, chances are you aren’t looking hard enough. This Thanksgiving please be safe, wear a mask, limit gatherings, and remind yourself what you have to be thankful for. That way, next year, you can spend time with those loved ones who you are so cautiously protecting and keeping safe now.