Almost one year ago to the day, my colleagues and I left our office for the last time—not knowing it would be the last time, for a long time. The intervening year has left plenty of us feeling the enormous weight of loss—of loved ones or dear friends, of time and experiences out in the world, and of pleasures as simple as the ability to share an impromptu meal with a neighbor. But the past year has been about more than loss. Some have found a road out of hopelessness, back to their faith; others have rediscovered the joy of cooking a meal at home or the majesty of our own backyards.
To mark one year in quarantine, we asked some of our favorite writers, thinkers, and organizers to reflect on what they’ve lost or found during the pandemic. We’re not through this, yet—but a new day is rising, one that makes us hopeful that the year to come will be different.
Read the stories
Losing the Simple Salvation of Everyday Food Rituals
“For me, food is location. It’s the GPS circle pinging: You are here. These months have me feeling lost at sea.”
—Quiara Alegría Hudes
New York Isn’t New York Without Her
Quarantine Made Me Remember Why I Love Cooking
“With nothing but time, I’ve remembered what’s always been most important to me: sharing delicious meals with the people I care about.”
—Sohla El-Waylly
I Was the First Person in the Nation to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
REPLACING GLOBETROTTING WITH MY OWN BACKYARD
Finding a New Meaning of Home in Quarantine
“This past year, I was forced to recognize what a blessing my house—the place that I eat, sleep, dream, Zoom, and organize from—is.”
—Nsé Ufot
Becoming the Neighborhood Plant Lady
“When neighbors came by to pick up plants, we spoke in a way we hadn’t before.”
—Kristen Radtke
Losing My Religion, Finding My Faith
“Every day was like, God, seriously, where are you in all of this? How do I reconcile any of this with my faith?”
—Rita Omokha
Discovering My Mother’s Secret Superpower
“If someone were to give MacArthur awards for babycare, I would nominate my mother in an instant.”
—Te-Ping Chen
With the Arrival of a Vaccine, Navajo Nation Is Finally Healing
“We are showing what is possible when tribes are given autonomy and are able to practice true sovereignty.”
—Allie Young Dine