COVID Saved My Life: Rebuilding During A Pandemic

A Night That Changed Everything

One night in February 2020 changed everything for me. I had been with my ex for 12 years, and as I sat in my home office working on my second poetry book, There's Only Reality, I was haunted by old wounds—mean words from college acquaintances who insisted I wasn’t meant to be loved. That evening, while listening to relationship advice on Audible, my ex walked in and casually announced he’d been openly dating someone else. I replied softly, “Okay, I guess we’re done.” With that, he demanded I move out of the home we’d built together so his new girlfriend could move in. I pleaded for time until October, but the reality was sinking in fast.

This picture was taken at holiday time in 2020. Women from college kept reaching out to list my flaws and blame me for my failed relationships. Their words were especially cruel as I struggled to survive. 

Starting Over Amidst a Pandemic
When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, the world seemed to freeze while I was forced to move at warp speed. I relocated to Idaho in July 2020—just days before my 49th birthday—with nothing but two suitcases, a few boxes, and my beloved dog. I had no car, no proper dishes (my niece loaned me a set until she needed them back), and barely any funds. With only $2400 to start over, I was overwhelmed by the challenges of survival and the harsh judgments from those I once knew.

A Struggle Against the Odds
The early months in Idaho were surreal. Job opportunities were scarce in what felt like a ghost town, and every day brought a new challenge—whether it was scrambling to secure rent payments or enduring classism and cold treatment from family. My sister even fabricated stories about me, comparing me to her boyfriend who was on disability and allegedly an addict. I'm not an addict of any kind. Starvation and financial stress became constant companions, and when I received a dreaded 3-day rent notice in November 2020,  panic set in.

Desperate, I reached out to an empathetic apartment manager under former owners who advised me to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Thanks to that support—and learning about the federal eviction moratorium—I managed to keep a roof over my head during those tumultuous times.

Surviving Through Resilience and the Gig Economy
Determined not to be defeated, I immersed myself in learning about COVID, even volunteering for a clinical trial with the AstraZeneca vaccine. I turned to the gig economy and took on microtasks via Amazon Mechanical Turk. Despite battling PTSD, blackout episodes, and extreme stress from years of abuse, I pressed forward, even when every step felt like a monumental effort. No, my family did not support me. They ignored me and told me they were "being hard on me because they loved me" like I had done something horribly wrong. When all I did was try to start my life over. In December 2020, I wrote and published my third poetry book, Only Settle for Happiness. 

Small Acts of Kindness: A Beacon of Hope
Amidst the struggle, unexpected acts of kindness shone through. I received small gifts—a coffee here, an invitation to church there—that reminded me I wasn’t completely alone. One particularly meaningful gift was from a friend: after my niece sold me her car (a car valued at $300 on Kelly Blue Book, which she sold to me for $1000 on payment terms), it broke down in October. A kind college friend in the Boise metro area replaced the battery, and that simple act extended the car’s life for another year. These gestures, though modest, provided crucial support when I needed it most.

Finding Stability and New Beginnings
By January 2021, life slowly began to stabilize. With the ERAP easing the fear of eviction, I started putting together a semblance of a home. Early on, I bought a Target camping chair for my living room, discovered an end table on Facebook Marketplace that I absolutely love, and even found a farmhouse table and a plastic bench at a local thrift store to serve as my makeshift couch—all for less than $100. In February 2021, I bought some furniture from a local furniture store. I opened a checking account in my name. In March 2021, when Pearson reopened scoring and after connecting with a women’s business association, I felt for a moment that life might finally be turning around.

Gratitude and Moving Forward
Looking back, I often say that COVID saved my life. While the rest of the world hid during the pandemic, I was forced to confront my reality and rebuild from nothing. Every hardship taught me resilience, and every small act of kindness lit a path toward hope. I remain deeply grateful to those who, even in my darkest moments, offered a helping hand. Their generosity—no matter how small—was a lifeline that kept me going when I had nothing.

A Call for Support
Even as I find stability and begin to rebuild, the journey is far from over. To help cover essential needs like rent, food, and everyday expenses, I have launched a GoFundMe campaign. After five years of struggling and rebuilding, I’m no longer willing to face these challenges alone. Every donation, no matter how small, is a lifeline that provides hope and helps me continue moving forward. If my story resonates with you, please consider contributing or sharing my campaign with others who might be able to help. Your support truly makes a difference.

My fight isn't just about me. It's about all women who had to start over with nothing, and the people who turned their back or a blind-eye. It's about giving other women hope that they can start over and survive.