2714083, Healthy and helping in the Republic of Brooklyn... Posted by CyrenYoung, Fri Apr-17-20 12:09 PM
..Maaaaaaaan listen:
Anyone who thinks this shit isn't real, I can tell you personally that I've already lost a handful of family & friends (1 in Cleveland, 1 in Detroit, 3 here in BK), let alone the people I know currently dealing with severe symptoms.
Everyone else I know that tested positive have a variety of the symptoms listed (from mild to severe), but most people are doing well enough to manage it at home.
I work in tv/film, so we've been on hiatus now for over a month. Before that, we'd already started trimming back on the number of staff on site daily, and the last 3 weeks of production were held without a studio audience (its a sitcom for Netflix). We actually have a very progressive cast/crew and a great working relationship with the production company/studios, so things have been very slow, but consistent. I can't complain about sitting on conference calls 2 or 3 times a week. I'm fortunate enough to still be paid (main gig and side hustles) and continue independent work online (coaching/consulting/post production/editing/etc.)
*I also volunteer regularly with City Harvest and that hasn't changed. We get food to as many people as possible, knowing that there's an entire population of under-served people that aren't being accounted for. There's nowhere to shelter in place when you don't have a home. There is no stimulus package for the homeless. Next week, I'm set to start volunteer work with Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org/we-fed-an-island?gclid=CjwKCAjwp-X0BRAFEiwAheRui_oovtUpz1OECBLk_8vh_YlutlFoZuKQhBDoKSYMIW5Dyc8e25E2cBoCPP8QAvD_BwE).
I Shop for my neighbors that can't get out or are at-risk. Unfortunately, we just lost "Da Mayor" © Do The Right Thing. He was the patriarch of our block. He was a retired Vietnam vet that simply never stopped working to help others. He used his SUV to deliver food, supplies, and shuttle people in need to medical appointments. As much as we tried to stop him from risking his own health in this crises, he just wouldn't quit.
"..I'm doing all this so you young people can LIVE... " © Sgt. M. Fudge
That was the last convo we had before he tested positive. We all celebrated his birthday (digitally) on the 11th, but sadly he passed away on Monday, the 13th.
I don't want to give the impression that Uncle Marcus was simply stubborn. This is the same man that would see/hear me sweeping or shoveling the entire block and he would be the first to step out and help. Anytime you needed something, he was right there. He cooked for the annual block party and made floral deliveries each spring during planting season for the entire block. I am completely devastated, but so very thankful to have known the spirit of this man. Respect due.
*Again, please take this pandemic seriously. Between my job and my career in cycling, I have all the gear & resources needed for this and will continue to do everything I can to help (responsibly). If you're not an essential worker right now, please stay home & healthy.
*skatin' the rings of saturn*
..and miles to go before i sleep...
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