Hi everyone, it’s Melissa here. I’m sharing my heartfelt story about navigating the challenges brought by the pandemic while caring for my ailing mother. Despite the hardships, I found unexpected blessings during this difficult time.

At the start of 2020, I was working as a marketing independent contractor for a senior living community. Coincidentally, it was the same community where my mom was in the memory care unit, and her health was declining. By February, I had to ask if it might be time for hospice, and they agreed. As the virus started to spread, I was very concerned about it reaching the senior living community where my mom resided. By early March, a local case of someone not isolating after a positive test made everything feel all too real.

The senior living facility began locking down in the first week of March, restricting both employees and residents from leaving their respective buildings. By the third week of March, they banned all visitors, and since I wasn’t an employee, I couldn’t visit either. However, with my mom needing extra care, they gave me the most precious gift by designating me an essential healthcare worker. This allowed me to spend as much time as possible with her during her last weeks. I even got to support other residents, who were also unable to have visitors.

One of the highlights was hosting a Red Hat Society dance party on March 21 for my mom and the other residents. My mom had been the charter member of the Red Hat Society at this facility, and seeing everyone enjoy themselves, dancing and having fun, was absolutely amazing. Another special moment was over Easter when I brought in music to play Easter hymns for everyone since even religious services were halted.

My mom passed away on April 20, and as hard as it was, I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with her. The experience of Covid leading to a shut down actually allowed me precious moments with her that I would not have had if I had been working as usual. It inspired me to give up my marketing career. I’m now a retired marketing professional and have transitioned to a new career in photo management. To find out more about Melissa’s services visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasnyder/

This journey, though filled with challenges, showed me the silver linings and transformative experiences that can emerge from difficult times. Thank you for letting me share my story.

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This minisode was clipped from a LIVE virtual Show & Tale: Artifacts & Totems (Pandemic Edition). ______________________________________________________________________________

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