3 minute read
Home Life
Eva is almost 5 months old now and still hasn't met many of her relatives, even some of her grandparents. Although it has been a struggle there were definitely some positives. We were able to spend more time together as a family, to enjoy a slower paced lifestyle and soak in moments at home that we would not have had otherwise.
— Jessica Moore (MSHA Class 47) Director of Operations, Bayfront Medical Group, St. Petersburg, FL
My husband was the only person allowed to be with me, we had no visitors in the hospital. We have asked family to wear masks when they visit and we haven’t taken her out in public much at all. It’s definitely a strange time to have a baby!
— Angela Morse (SIM 2019) Medical Technologist
BIRTHS
UAB Medicine, Birmingham, AL
WEDDINGS
Two weeks before our wedding, we altered everything due to canceled venues and travel restrictions. Bethany and I were blessed to have a small wedding ceremony with friends and family despite the pandemic. Those who weren’t able to attend were able to share in our celebration via livestream.
— French Forbes (MSHA Class 50) Program Manager, UAB Medicine, Birmingham, AL
It was nothing like we imagined. The healthcare team ensured we had a positive experience. We visited with family through a window and Facetime. It's an odd time to welcome life into the world, but we're so thankful!
— Alison Gilbert (MSHA Class 50, BSHCM 2014) Director of Support Services, North Mississippi Health Services, Tupelo, MS
GRADUATION
Beekeeping during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a blessing for my mental and physical health. Every morning watching my hardworking bees and their busy buzzing all over the garden brightens the rest of my day. Their selfless acts for the betterment of their hive reminds me of our beautiful department, and my hardworking colleagues whom I missed a lot. I never want to say something like this was necessary. It’s not. War is not necessary. Pandemics and plagues are not necessary. But when they do happen, we get to see that humanity has a way of making the best of what we have when we have to. We’re starting to see how well we can do when we pull together as a country.
— Caleb Townes (HCM 2020, MSHA Class 56)
NEW HOBBIES
— Ferhat Zengul (PhD 2013)
I started stand up paddle boarding with Rick Shewchuk. We paddled about 80 miles this summer on several Alabama lakes, mostly on Inland Lake. There is a 14foot and 17-foot alligator in the lake, placed there to keep beavers from building dams. A fisherman told us that there were actually 10 alligators in the lake — it's a bit unnerving when paddling!
— Stephen J. O’Connor (PhD 1988)
I have a “Victory over COVID” garden with two bluebird houses and many, many vegetables we are enjoying. In addition, it provides me “horticultural therapy” as well as lower blood pressure and increased Vitamin D thanks to more sun exposure.
