The coronavirus is changing all of our lives in big ways and small ones. We’d like to hear how it’s affecting yours. What are your stories? We’d like to print as many as we have room for. Send them to Publisher Mike Hrycko at mhrycko@thedailyworld.com.

By Connie King

Tokeland

A change of every aspect of my life would best describe my current situation. I am taking each day, one day at a time finding blessings at each turn. My husband and I are counting our blessings through this. A chance to see things in new ways and able to give to others has been a wonderful gift.

One if my biggest worries has been for my family and a sense of helplessness. One of my daughters and son- in-law are doctors. My daughter is an OB/GYN and my son-in-law in an emergency room doctor. They have two small children and have juggled child care and overnight shifts working to help others. This has been heart wrenching, as I have not been able to head to San Diego to help them out.

I have a son and a daughter that live in Port Orchard. Both have been laid off their jobs and, like everyone, I am missing seeing them and a granddaughter there. In the beginning, we were all scrambling for formula and supplies for the baby, but this has gotten better. We were able to find supplies for our grandbaby and some extra stuff for other babies.

I work for South Sound Parent to Parent for Early Intervention, Birth to Three children. Our Grays Harbor office has been closed for weeks making all visits virtual and by phone and mail. I feel blessed that our Executive Director has worked hard to give us what we need to continue our jobs. I miss seeing all the children, but am glad that I can continue to contact and help.

I grew up Sacramento in a family that were farmers. My Greek grandfather and I sold vegetables from the back of his truck. I was gardening at 3 years old. I always wanted to be a better gardener. This year, I signed up for the Washington State University Master Gardening Program for Grays Harbor and Pacific County. Graduation was planned for June and is now on hold. The program was to offer two full-day classes from February to May. However, after three classes everything became online. One blessing is the program is very time consuming: videos, quizzes, homework, etc. and I have extra time to really process this work and lots of time to study. I am looking forward to volunteering at the plant clinics and so forth. My goal is to spend many of my volunteer hours working with kids and youth. I have been sending out some gardening books to families to promote family gardening. I have learned skills already that someday I can share with others, such as building compost bins, raised garden beds, etc.

Each day I set aside an hour or two to do good for others. This has been one good thing out of this pandemic is how myself and so many others have found the time and means to help others in need, giving that extra and above. I have offered to write children who need practice sending letters and cards, providing stamped envelopes. My skills as an educator, a Girl Scout leader for over 20 years, and a foster parent for over 20 years offers me many opportunities to help others.

In December of 2015, I lost my 27-year-old, who I adopted through foster care at age 6. This has given me a huge drive to make sure others are safe and cared for. I work to help anyone who seeks me out for help and give out info for mental health resources.

My husband Darrell Cunningham and I feel blessed to live in Tokeland and be able to learn more about so many things as we are staying put. Until this is over, I will continue to help others.