#OnHoldAtHome with Caroline & family
“I hope people will have a new appreciation for their freedoms and cherish them.”
![OHAH-CAROLINE-HOOVER-Tania-del-Carmen-Photography00.jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59f74b1eaeb62555d49e53a3/1587485534227-FX9P6478BDVAFPIKG1K2/OHAH-CAROLINE-HOOVER-Tania-del-Carmen-Photography00.jpg)
What are your fears and/or concerns right now?
Beyond the primal fears, like not being able to protect my family, I’m afraid that the federal government’s inept, ignorant, corrupt response to this crisis is going to result in the dissolution of the United States. I’m certain that the denial of facts and the lack of leadership from the White House have already resulted in thousands more deaths than would have occurred if we had a competent, rational president who believed in science and listened to his advisors.
What have you learned from living this new normal?
I've learned that I'm not as much of an introvert as I thought I was – I miss people!
Do you think anything positive will come from all of this?
I've seen many positive things happening already. My hope is that this crisis will help people realize how lopsided our society is – how many people are vulnerable and live on the edge of survival – and that we will join together and take decisive action to right these wrongs. I hope people will have a new appreciation for their freedoms and cherish them rather than take them for granted. I’d like to add how grateful I am for all the artists of the world right now. The musicians, the filmmakers, the painters, the poets, the writers who can take you away to another time or a different world. This would be unbearable without them.
READ THE STORIES
Click on any of the images below to learn more about what's on the minds of fellow Richmonders. From the pandemic to protests, our community has traveled through months of uncertainty, introspection and reflection. Sharing stories gives us an opportunity to learn, connect and grow with one another in the hopes of cultivating a more compassionate, open-minded and empathetic city to live in.
“A bright future is possible, but only if we get to work building it.”
“There has to be a good reason for all this chaos.”
“When life gets back to normal, I hope that there will be echoes of grace in the memory of hardship.”
“These are challenging times for everyone, and it’s important we shed light on the positives.”
“I think we can truly grow as a society from this experience.”
“I do not think we will ever return to normal, but we are trying to live each day guided by hope and gratefulness.”
“Black lives have mattered for centuries, and will continue to matter in the future.”
“It turns out that community, human connection, companionship… that is what keeps me sane.”
“When times are tough, it’s important to help and be open minded to those around you.”
“This is an opportunity for us to search within ourselves and check for our own privileges.”
“The world has been at a standstill, with clear minds and hearts – the truth rises.”
“I want to be able to say that I impacted at least one person’s life before I leave this earth.”
“I love my job and helping people. I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be right now.”
“I hope we learn to live with less. Be kinder with ourselves and others.”
“The pandemic has given us a certain amount of appreciation for routine and our home.”
“I hope people will have a new appreciation for their freedoms and cherish them.”
“Sometimes we need to experience darkness to appreciate the light.”
“Some will find greater faith and put their lives in clearer perspective.”
‘This time together is definitely bringing us closer together as a family.”
“People are so resilient. I guess I always knew that, but this is proving it every day.”
“We’re finding solace in places and things we had not realized we were missing.”
“I’ve learned that I am much more an optimist than a pessimist.”
“We need each other to bring joy and meaning to our lives.”
“We’re all having to dig deep and get through this as a whole.”
“It’s difficult to imagine what the next year or so of my life might look like.”
“Having had COVID-19, I’m living proof that the virus is brutal and can harm very healthy people.”
“We are afraid to acknowledge our trauma and deal with it.”
“Yes, we argue, but we also laugh more now.”
“In many ways, COVID-19 is clearly exposing long-standing issues in our community.”
“Communities are coming together. Relationships are more meaningful.”