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From the Other Front Line
Heather Murphy is a Plasma Operator/Artist in Las Cruces, NM
I’d like to say that I am moved and touched by all the stories about the local community and their struggles with the current situation. Very few know what I actually do for my main living which happens to be the other front line of this whole mess. In short, the company I work for keeps other essential businesses operating.
We literally service every industry in the community. When the farm equipment breaks, the big rigs need hoses, the food processors need conveyor parts, the plumbers need fittings, or the water treatment plants need chemicals they call us. We are in the business of fixing their problems so that they can keep running.
I’ve watched first- hand the evaporation of PPE (personal protection equipment) and the panic that creates in the community. When we are able to acquire small portions of it, (masks and a few other items) we do our best to make sure that it goes where it is needed most before the general public. Those entities range from medical facilities, law enforcement agencies and food processors to construction workers and so many others that I’ve lost track of them all.
I see the production and distribution issues that are happening and may potentially create supply line problems because of temporary illness, import restrictions or just shifting gears to supply the medical community. Yet I also see companies doing everything in their power to limit the possibility of those issues creating major impacts for those they service.
I’ve been graced/cursed with inside knowledge of the communities strengths and short comings regarding our abilities and desire/or lack of to coordinate and protect many essential personnel and businesses as well as stories that restore my faith in humanity as a whole.
I hear the personal fears and hopes of those I come in contact with every day. I also see the creativity and kindness that spreads like wildfire and I am amazed at how much light and strength there is in our community. I know we will get through this struggle and be stronger than ever.
Every time I wipe down another surface; Lysol the mail; wash and sanitize hands; and make sure everyone is still healthy, it only strengthens my resolve to keep moving forward and remind myself that this too shall pass.
I ask everyone to use common sense, cherish each day, love your neighbor, be kind, help those who are struggling, be grateful for even the smallest gifts in life, and keep making art!
Robert McNamara – The Tale of Two Pandemics
COVID-19 has been a tale of two pandemics for me… one in New Mexico and the other in New York City where I was born and raised and where many family members and friends still live.
Natalie Walston Abbott – The Philosophers were right
Hell IS other people. The loss of, the existence of, and now the lack thereof.
It’s living in your pajamas each day and wiping down every surface while avoiding another human with the COVID19 virus. The person is now nocturnal as to stay away from me.
Cristina Fridenstine – Corona Virus 2020
A quasi self-quarantine – because let’s face it, the quarantine isn’t perfect nor is it fully enforced – has caused me to stop attending Spanish classes and practicing tai chi chih with a group at Senior Amigos.
Jeff and Dennis Milligan Lujan – Life during the Corona Pandemic
It was the beginning of March we had just finished up our annual erotic art show and were planning the spring art show that was right around the corner, we were already aware of a virus that was traveling throughout China.
Catherine Lucas – While my Heart is still aching
All in all, while my heart is aching for the families who lost loved ones, my life is good. No, can’t go out, can’t do this or that, but there are so much things I still can do. We live next to the desert in Las Cruces, a big trail is leading from my house into it.
Linda Caray Rude – Reconnecting
It is not a surprise for my family and friends, the pandemic has not been a problem for me. I will not allow negativity into my life, therefore all of the lifestyle changes, depression and deaths are literally life lessons.
Karen Conely – Corona Virus Reflections
I cut my hair this week. My husband won’t let me touch his, and one look in the mirror tells me why. He spent 28 years in the Army, and I wonder how long he will hold out on me. Maybe a Flobee would be a worthy purchase right now? They cost 139.00 and are back-ordered.
Sonya Fe – Lilies in the Field
My life hasn’t changed much. I am a studio artist and spend most my time in my studio. I don’t care to socialize much anyway except on Facebook, because there I have control to turn on or off. I don’t like social obligations. I have a very difficult time attending parties, events and social commitments.
Victor Gibbs – I worry
Early morning, April 15, 2020, can’t sleep. Planetary alignment of moon and three planets rest in the southeastern sky. The corona virus has spread to almost every country on Earth in under three months’ time. Most of the world has been hiding and waiting for it to leave.
Roy van der Aa – I would have never thought
I had never thought of what a pandemic would do to my business. For 22 years, I have sold advertising space for the monthly arts centered newspaper, The Ink. I have owned the paper along with my wife, Robin, for 20 years and we personally deliver the majority of each issue throughout about one third of New Mexico.
Lisa Lucca – My calm Interior
Quarantine has been easier for me than many. I spent a lot of my time at home anyway, working as a life coach over the phone, writing a book, hanging out in my garden with my sweetheart. We love our house overlooking Las Cruces and the Western sky.
Heather Murphy – From the other front line
I’d like to say that I am moved and touched by all the stories about the local community and their struggles with the current situation. Very few know what I actually do for my main living which happens to be the other front line of this whole mess.
Barbara Alvarez – Alone, Together
At the beginning of March, we were hearing worrisome reports about coronavirus—officially named “COVID-19.”
Vinnie G. – Alone and Empty
My two older granddaughters lost their jobs and will until the social distancing let’s up. But they both have bad asthma and are very vulnerable.
Michel Meunier – Surviving Covid-19 as a small local nonprofit
These are very strange times. Never in my lifetime have I had to deal with a virus pandemic hitting so close to home, and navigating COVID-19 has been a big challenge.
Gary Night – We are a Nation divided
With 2020 vision I arrived in Las Cruces on February 29, 2020, enjoyed one week of relative freedom and attended one Farmer’s Market before the viral hammer came down.
Heroes behind the scenes of the pandemic in Las Cruces
Check out some of the heroes during the pandemic . . .
Open up – Protesters in front of City Hall Las Cruces May 1-2020
On May 1-2020 about 45 protester gathered in front of City Hall to demand an opening of the businesses.