Story
My COVID-19 Story
Kim Carmichael
The feeling of waking up at no set time was familiar since I was unemployed for a few months in 2015 & 2017. From mid-March I’ve made an effort to wake early and set up a routine in order to lead a somewhat normal existence. Still, with news of the virus spreading quickly, lethargy set in and some days it was tough to get out of bed before noon.
During the early days of the pandemic I experienced an array of mixed emotions. Shock, fear, wonder and amazement brewed, within a matter of weeks, our global interwoven economy as we knew it has come to a screeching halt. Was this a blessing or a curse? Neither, it most certainly has a resemblance of both.
Daily news reports from Dr. Bonnie Henry begin with new cases and highlights that 70-80% of deaths are of elderly who for obvious reasons cannot fend off this aggressive virus. While BC’s case numbers continue to increase steadily, the Eastern provinces cases are ballooning and reports of gross negligence within the elderly care homes are again brought to light. Pain and sadness overwhelm me as I mourn the deaths of those elderly people who have died alone and for their family members whose hearts weep in sadness and loss. I fear for my own parents who moved into a retirement home in February in Peterborough, Ontario. There have been no reported cases at Canterbury Gardens, unlike Pinecrest nursing home in Bobcaygeon, Ontario just about ½ hour North of Peterborough where 30 people died, roughly half the residents. The layout with a combination of private and semi-private rooms as well as shared rooms with up to four people side by side, created complications to contain the outbreak. Privilege sweeps over me.
Meanwhile my mornings begin with Adriene, on the mat connecting with my breath and body in a way that feels new, steady, patient and comforting. My yoga practice has become increasing important along with meditation, allowing me to better navigate the steady stream of emotions that come and go throughout my days.
Noticing the cluster of wild garlic at different stages of bloom tickles my heart and sends me into deeper exploration of plant species. Recognizing that each plant plays a role in our eco-system whether it be to filter water, pollinate or provide oxygen through photosynthesis, it remains clear that the fight for world domination is futile since the power is in the plants.
I was stung by a bee on Victoria Day and refused to give in to the pharmaceutical industrial complex, instead opting for nature’s healing. My cheek immediately swelled and after about four days with no relief in sight, I lathered on some honey and the swelling went away. Interesting how that works.
Back at home I prepare seed packets which will be mailed out by some UBC Ethnography students. Ethnography – a new term for me, a research method central to knowing the world from the standpoint of its social relations. The students are doing field research on Village Vancouver. Ross, our Executive Director invited one student named Christina to the garden to film and interview. Early on during Covid-19 food security became a hot topic given that exchanges between our trading partners had contracted, food-processing plants were shutting down and food prices were quickly rising. This perfect storm finally ignited action whereby people can see the benefit of growing food and becoming more self-sufficient. Even Victoria's Mayor Lisa Helps redeployed park staff to grow seedlings to support community members during the pandemic.
This exchange with UBC students has me imagining how else we could subsist with the loss of gainful employment, living instead from earth’s bounty and in harmony with nature. As I reimagine a world of my own making, I remove all traces of lack and competition and instead shift my mindset towards prosperity and abundance for all. It’s a world united in the wisdom of the heart, the future is ours to create.
