SALUTES FRONTLINE WORKERS, PAGE 13
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, many people in our community still get up and go to work every day, as they always have, and continue to provide services that benefit us all. For the foreseeable future, I am dedicating Latitude to the inspiring stories of the hardworking citizens of Prince George.
Cecilia Taylor has been a much-loved frontline worker at Save-On-Foods for 13 years.
When asked how the pandemic has affected her life, Cecilia replied, “as with virtually everyone, COVID-19 has had a monumental impact on my life. The area it has hit me the hardest is my work. As an essential service employee my days, and that of my co-workers, are at times fraught with ever changing but necessary procedures. Limiting in-demand items, enforcing social distancing rules while striving to remain calm when customers react negatively to some or all of this is the hardest part.”
At the end of a long shift, work stress unfortunately does not end for Cecilia as she has family to think about.
“The home front now more than ever is my soft place to fall. Although I do all I can to leave the germs behind after a long day’s work, I worry a great deal that I could possibly endanger the health of my adult daughter in the event that I get exposed.”
For many of us, the sudden changes and continuous pressure brought on by the pandemic has taken a toll on our mental and emotional wellbeing.
“I have experienced teary moments and daunting stress that leaves me exhausted emotionally, physically and mentally,” Cecilia said.
“I am, however, buoyed by the fact that there is a lot of support and cohesion with my fellow employees, managers and a great number of customers.”
Cecilia went on to explain how supporting others can be of benefit to our own wellbeing.
“In the face of adversity, I definitely derive comfort and satisfaction in helping customers who are particularly vulnerable or compromised in some way.”
This simply showcases just how amazing Prince Georgians really are.
COVID-19 has a long reach into many layers of our lives down to the core.
To varying degrees, our freedom to make choices, even if it is to protect loved ones or to see family, has been taken away.
“I have two brothers in the same longterm care facility in the Okanagan and I fret constantly that the virus could rear its ugly head,” Cecilia said.
“It’s highly unlikely that I’ll be making my annual summer visit to see them the way things are unfolding. My sister lives in the same city, but she cannot even visit them due to preventative lockdown.”
While we have no choice when it comes to the pandemic, we must choose how we deal with it.
Cecilia digs deeps and reveals how she found her footing with a strength that makes me believe that everything will be OK.
“As I wade through all the uncertainty, anxiety and fear of the unknown, the eternal optimist in me is compelled to search for positivity and inspiration. I like to decompress by doing my art, reading, cooking or watching television. There is much introspection, reflection and soul searching. We absolutely are all in this together and must never lose sight of that. These are unprecedented times for nearly everyone, and I have unwavering faith that we will overcome this.”
Thank you, Cecilia, for your service to our community and for your brave leadership.
If you would like to share how COVID19 has impacted your life or business, I would love to read your comments below or please email me at linda.rempel@ sunlife.com.