“I’ve learned that I am much more an optimist than a pessimist.”

What are your fears and/or concerns right now?

Isaac: My fears are for my family, that I can begin to work again, and that our country doesn't come apart at the seams due to a lack of political leadership.

Sarah: There are plenty of financial concerns for Isaac, me and our extended family. Mostly I worry about my father's malaise and solitude. He’s a man of his generation and doesn't reach out to people like one might. Seeing him (outside from 6 feet) on a weekly basis has been one of my greatest joys. I hope these visits keep him animated enough to see him through.

What have you learned from living this new normal?

Isaac: I’ve learned that life could be more normal than abnormal for me; that I can use this extra time not working productively, and that I am much more an optimist than a pessimist.

Sarah: That I can do yoga first thing in the morning before coffee without stabbing anybody!

Do you think anything positive will come from all of this?

Isaac: The only positive I can see is that the medical research establishment may, in their sharp focus to combat the disease, find new paths to quickly combat other diseases.

Sarah: Most certainly something positive will come out of this. What it will be, I'm not sure yet. And if it sticks around, who knows about that either.

READ THE STORIES

Click on any of the images below to learn more about what's on the minds of fellow Richmonders. From the pandemic to protests, our community has traveled through months of uncertainty, introspection and reflection. Sharing stories gives us an opportunity to learn, connect and grow with one another in the hopes of cultivating a more compassionate, open-minded and empathetic city to live in.