From Anonymous:
Friday night, we heard gunshots fired a few houses away, followed by the sound of a car driving away. We and several other neighbors called 911. We don't know what happened or if anyone was hurt. One of our recent practices is going for a walk every night and looking at the stars. Now I feel scared when a car passes while we are walking at night. The very next day, a friend expressed a desire to get a gun for protection. Myself and other friends in the online gathering listed many ways to protect oneself that are far less dangerous to oneself and one's family. Amidst the difficulty of COVID-19, let us not forget all the other troubles and sorrows of the world, which still need our attention, as well as our action.
From Gail Cohen:
We are both "over"joyed to have been the beneficiaries of so much love and so many prayers as Caren has found her way through the haze of the Corona virus and pneumonia. I believe she is in the midst of turning a corner at this point and hope to report more improvement by next Sunday. She is anxious to go home. Today is the first time she said that!
From Catherine Connor:
One of the women who was on the chancel at Char Brady's memorial service, one of us who knew Char from a very young age and who remained close as friends throughout the year, died. We are so sad. Two of us in less than a year.
From Erin Dittmer:
Sorrow for students who cannot fully engage in online learning because of unstable homes, family responsibilities, or lack of resources, such as reliable internet. Joy at the collaboration, ingenuity, and dedication of teachers around the world, who are committed to serving all of their students during this challenging time. Joy also for our new puppy, Jolene, who now knows her name and learned to play fetch yesterday :)
From Elizabeth Field:
A joy at having passed my thesis defense on Wednesday! Grateful that so many were able to attend this virtual event and thankful to all those who have reached out and helped to make this feel more like the special event it would normally be.
From Sandy and Jim Hannum:
A sorrow at the loss of Dave Sutton. Deep sympathy to Nancy Sutton and all of their family. Dave was a force for good in the community, working tirelessly to find justice for the poor and marginalized. We will miss him greatly.
From Amy Hassigner and Adam Davis:
Our hearts go out to all the students and families affected by the disturbing behavior and recent arrest of Uni High's PE teacher this past week. We are especially thinking of the teacher's family right now as they suffer with this experience, as well as all the vulnerable children affected.
From A.J. Herzog:
The Herzog family is grateful that we got to attend the celebration of life service for our cousin, Ella, before the lock-down took effect. We so needed to mourn and celebrate with family.
From Jill Houser:
We are happy to be safe in Savoy and glad for the sunny day walks we have been taking every day together.
From Cindy Ingold:
Thanks to everyone for putting together our streaming services, Florence, our amazing staff and volunteers. I look forward to this time “together” all week.
From Doug Jones:
This week a group of volunteers launched a website CPAPforCOVID to be a clearinghouse to get Sleep Apnea machines to projects fighting COVID.
From Priscilla Kron:
Feeling deep appreciation for Marie McEnroe and her leadership with the Mindfulness group. Such a gift during these days of separation.
From Randy Locke:
A little over a week ago, we planted scores and scores of seeds for our first attempt at a container garden. We’ve watered and waited patiently. And now, we are greeted daily by new seedlings as they emerge and unfurl. To new growth!
From Nina Lokshin:
I miss school.
From Katie Madigan:
A nurse friend at Carle has been exposed to Covid-19 and is awaiting her test results. She is a single mom of 4 kids, one with a significant disability and one who is 5 months old. If she has to go into quarantine she worries about who will be able to care for her kids.
From Ali Newbold:
I’m thrilled to now be going up to North Western Med periodically for what is in fact an experimental treatment - as it did not work for me the first time. But we hope that now it may, since the suspected prior resistance (by a liver tumor) has been treated. So please keep fingers crossed that this treatment will now slow disease progression, - which for four months had free reign (due to the need to lower liver stress prior to the harsh liver tumor treatment.) And Wish me luck!
From Amy Robison:
Sorrow, unbelief, and concern for the spouse, son, and students of a beloved teacher just arrested on charges of child pornography.
From Marilyn Ryan:
I’m grateful that even though we weren’t able to get Umeeta’s parents home from India, they are safe and comfortable in their apartment in Bombay.
From Sara Schumacher:
My daughter, Chloe Schmidt, had her baby girl (Claire) 8 weeks early on February 28th. I don't know if you remember, but you were the officiant for her wedding ceremony a couple of years ago in August. Claire has been in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit in the Peoria Childrens Hospital. She had surgery to correct an intestinal blockage. After 4 weeks in the hospital, Claire got to come home last week and is doing well.
From Dave Sharpe:
Concern for the safety and health of the thousands of men and women in the jails and prisons in Illinois, and recognition to all who are contributing to the Education Justice Project at U of I so EJP can provide gallons and gallons of sanitizer to Illinois Department of Corrections to distribute to these prisons.
From Olivia Webb:
Saw the first dandelion of the season, and all the other beautiful flowers blooming across town.
