Let’s face it, 2020 has been a weird one.
I think we can say that, and it’s not even over yet. But here we are to tell it’s tale. Soon it’ll be a distant memory… like floppy disks or non-skip walkmans….
But just like with every passing year, or trying time, I try and reflect back on what positive lessons may be squeezed out of this experience. Sometimes they’re simple, and sometimes I have a difficult time with that positive mental attitude, but let me tell you friends- it’s so darn important!
With Peterborough pulling up it’s socks and taking our Covid measures seriously, our infected numbers dropped dramatically. We all sacrificed a lot (and continue to do so). Many of us even continued working during the pandemic. And for that, I am extremely grateful. Thank you.
So when the opportunity crossed my path to give back in a small way, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Local photographer Kristen McIntyre organized a project to give small sessions to our local hospital workers- many of whom gave up a lot for their community; some even relocating to a nearby school residence to prevent their families from getting sick. These folks, are our local heroes, and I was stoked to jump on board to capture them smiling in front of my camera.
When I was fist meeting the lovely folks I was about to photograph, I asked them a bit about their journey and any lessons they took from 2020. I hope their words are as humbling for you as they were for me. As we continue on our paths, please be certain to take some of these words into consideration- be kind to your neighbours, thank your grocery store clerk, celebrate the garbage man, smile at the teachers, and call those you haven’t heard from in a while.
“Keep in touch with your loved ones- friends & family as this is a hard time for all. ”
“I chose to participate in the “Up-skilling” Program which sent me to the Emergency Department in the height of the lockdown in order to prepare for a situation that Italy was facing. I had no idea what it would be like, but at least I got to have a say in where I would be going instead of just being sent somewhere else to work last minute. I chose to be redeployed to a LTC with a COVID outbreak as well. This meant I had to live in a hotel 45 mins away from home, and was at one point ordered to quarantine by public health due to a high risk of possible exposure in the workplace due to not having adequate PPE.”
“During this pandemic we have all been forced to slow down. I have realized that I can go several weeks without setting foot in a store so errands that seemed so urgent in the past, no longer seem so pressing. Rather than running from place to place, we are enjoying our family time “stuck” together at home. This was a good reminder to get back to prioritizing family first. ”
