Here’s how North Texas seniors have adjusted to pandemic life.
By Harriet Blake
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One of the blessings of living longer is that, chances are, no crisis comes along that is your first rodeo. Today’s seniors are used to life’s ups and downs, and the wisdom of the decades has helped them make do in the now yearlong disruption of COVID-19 on their normal lives.
Here’s how one North Texas senior has adjusted to pandemic life, from cooking to Zooming to volunteering. They miss the hugs for sure. But their determination to ride it out safely is an inspiration to their families and a much needed silver lining during difficult times.
‘I Miss Hugging’
Carolyn Bryels, 73, lives by herself in Carrollton. She sees her two adult children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren on Zoom, works at the regional office of the United Methodist Church once a week and keeps herself busy at home.
After she retired as a project manager with Lucent Technologies in Dallas, she went to work part time doing accounts receivable for the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.
“I don’t feel totally isolated because I am allowed to go into the office one day a week,” she says. She’s read more than 100 mysteries and made quilts. “I find it therapeutic to create something beautiful and give it as a gift to family members.”
One “unfortunate” habit she’s picked up during the pandemic is shopping online. “The Amazon guys love me,” she says. A member of Hamilton Park United Methodist, “I do miss going to church in person. I’m an introvert, but I miss the people. I’m one of those hat ladies.”
In non-pandemic times, “we all wear hats to church; some are more elaborate than others. We are all friends and enjoyed getting together for lunch and each other’s birthdays,” she says.
Her extended family has a monthly Zoom, with members checking in from around the country. “That helps,” Carolyn says. “But what I really miss the most is physical touch. I miss hugging.”
Staying Connected
Barbara Knight, 86 and a retired nurse, misses the community at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, where she is a choir member.
These days, she stays busy by watching online church services and sending cards to members who are sick or have lost a family member. She’s also volunteered with Pathway to Nourishment, a monthly food ministry offered by her church and Austin Street Center.
She says she rarely leaves her apartment except to buy groceries, go to the bank, and the drive-through pharmacy. She was surprised to test positive for COVID-19 just days after she got the vaccine. Fortunately, her doctor, for whom she once worked, “hit it hard, giving me an infusion.” She’s already feeling better, she says.