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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.

Today, I feel a sense of hope and of contemplation for the year that has been. Today, marks the one year anniversary of the start of the pandemic. A year ago at this time, my husband and I began a six month journey of waiting for his liver transplant. We began living in a community facility far from our home in one tiny room. There we would stay for six months and two days. At the time, we didn't know the pandemic would effect every part of our lives including his ability to receive a liver. I am grateful for the strength of our marriage. This time away from home, living under restrictions, and waiting for a liver donor asked much of us. I learned that turning back or turning away from our circumstances wasn't an option. Every day, we had to recommit to the process of waiting, living under strict conditions. To cope, we focused on one day at time, sometimes one hour at a time. There were days of despair. I learned to embrace those days, giving myself the grace to struggle. Then my spirit would lift, and I would turn back to the job at hand of caring and supporting my spouse in his time of great need. This learned ability to keep moving forward has given me a reserve of strength that I can call on now. The deep bond that I have with my husband brings me great comfort. We will always be a team. My husband received his liver transplant in the middle of a pandemic. His medical team never gave up on him and they cradled us in their care. They are our heroes. As of yesterday, we are both fully vaccinated. I feel a sense of lightness, of hope that the days ahead will bring us joy. I feel grateful for all that I have learned.