Mount Pleasant Magazine Documenting Covid-19

69 www.CoronavirusMag.com | www.ReadMPM.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com feature Creative Minds Engage Family Life F amily lives transitioned quickly in March 2020 throughout South Carolina and the entire United States. Work layoffs, school closures, medical offices closed, as well as many other nonessential businesses shutting their doors for several weeks, even months. Athletes around the world could no longer take the court, hit the field or start their engines. Theme parks, trails, beaches, waterways and national and state parks from coast-to-coast were off limits. Social activities halted and children could no longer hug their grandparents. With so many people sheltering at home, creative minds began to flourish. For residents of hurricane- and snow-prone locations, the first week was easy as staying home was somewhat commonplace. To others it was almost a much-needed reprieve to commuting and long office days. However, as the days dragged on, the usual activities began to dull. One of the first social media trends that impacted family life centered on a story book, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen. In neighborhoods everywhere, people placed teddy bears in windows so that youngsters could walk their communities and go on a bear hunt themselves. From there, construction paper hearts and decorated Easter Eggs became the trend. “I’ve seen people walking, biking and driving by in cars and golf carts and pointing at the bears. I still look for my neighbors’ bears during my daily walks and bicycle rides,” said Dora Hartsell, a paraprofessional teaching assistant BY STACY E. DOMINGO Photo by Thomas Runion. Photo by Thomas Runion. Photo by Dora Hartsell.