The Covid 19 pandemic has changed lives all over the world, and we cope in different ways. Often, we look for distraction from it. But I’m a big believer in the saying, “The only way out is through.” The isolation, lack of hugs from best friends, missing restaurant meals and movie theaters, takes a toll on our mental health. And the stories of heroism and love give us strength to carry on. You see, I believe it’s all about stories. Our history is our stories, and the stories of ordinary people are most important of all. We know about the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, but do we know how our parents and grandparents felt that day? How they coped with their fear and anxiety? Only if they told us, or wrote it down in letters and diaries.

So here’s what I want you to do: tell your story. Better yet, write it down, so the ones who come after you have a record to go to when they wonder what 2020 was really like for people like you.

Here are two good anthologies to show what I mean: Living on Covid Time and Alone Together. Take a look inside one or both and get inspired to jot down your own thoughts about this time in history. Your time. Because no one else can tell it like you can.

If you’d like some company while you write, consider my memoir class starting March 3rd. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years. Sharing personal stories with others, crafting them into a work of art – for that’s what a good story is – is a great way to spend your time.

To register or for more information, please contact Cindy Louden at 267-421-6203 or clouden@pearlsbuck.org.

Have you started writing your pandemic story? Have you read a good one? Share it in the comments! And stay safe.