Staying Connected Through Quarentine

STAYING CONNECTED THROUGH QUARANTINE BY AMANDA FISCHER

Quarantining hasn’t been easy on anyone. Abruptly stopping busy schedules to stay home with what may feel like too much to do and not enough to do all at once gets old fast, but what’s even more difficult is not being able to see loved ones — especially during holidays like Easter.

Luckily, we are a privileged, resourceful people. We have found ways to stay connected to family and continue to build cherished memories from at least 6 feet away. Grand Ledge resident Cindy Zerbe said that she and her husband have been able to spend more time together.

“It’s just my husband and me at home; however, he’s swabbing patients for Sparrow, so he’s gone a large portion of each day. Even though these are challenging times, our schedules have changed drastically, and we’ve enjoyed spending a lot of time with each other,” Zerbe said.

Part of their routine has been making time to connect with friends and family.

“We have been keeping in touch with family, friends and colleagues through phone calls, Zoom calls, texts and notes,” she said. “I have a daily agenda to read virtually with my grandchildren. We have the same book and take turns reading.”

Like Zerbe, many others have used technology to virtually link with others.

Rose Davis of East Lansing said she has been home alone during the pandemic but stays in touch with her family through Facebook, WhatsApp, Zoom and phone calls. She even tunes into church services online.

Additionally, Houseparty has helped a lot of people in the capital area hang out. Holt resident Irene Peña said she has been using the app with her kids and grandkids. “It’s great. You can see each person, and they have built-in games to play,” Peña said about using the Houseparty app. “We’ve been playing a game that’s a family version of Cards Against Humanity.”

Outside of virtually connecting, people have found creative ways to visit without violating the social distancing policies. Both Zerbe and Peña said they have had visits with loved ones when dropping off masks, groceries or helping sick relatives.

“We’re staying close to home and only going out for groceries for us and friends and family who can’t risk exposure,” Zerbe said. “We’ve had a few driveway visits from family, friends and students from my school that have made my heart happy.”

“When my mom was in the hospital and then rehab, I set it up with the Eaton Rapids Rehab nurses to open her window when I came to visit,” Peña said. “I was outside her window and she was inside her room by the window, and we still wore masks, but that was wonderful because it really helped her state of mind.” ■

Amanda Fischer is a communications specialist at M3 Group. She likes reading, watching movies and playing games in her free time.