Rosemarie Alagna is one of millions whose life was turned upside down in March when a global pandemic brought everything to a halt. As a senior, it’s been of utmost importance for her to stay inside this year in order to preserve her physical health, despite this having many downsides for the social and emotional aspects of her life. Based in Queens, New York, Alagna has spent this year relying on her faith to get her through the hardships she continues to face because of COVID-19.
This interview has been edited and condensed. Here’s a look into how the pandemic has affected her and how she’s been doing.
Hi Rosemarie! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview with me. I hope you’ve been staying well during these times.
No problem. I’m in good physical health, thank God.
That’s great to hear! Let’s get right into it. How has COVID-19 and the pandemic impacted your life?
It changed it completely. I had a wonderful family and social life and all of that was put to an end. For three months I was isolated and all I did was eat, watch television, pray and clean. I had to redo my life, that’s exactly what I’m doing — redoing my life to get through the days.
I think a lot of people can relate to that. What does your day-to-day currently look like?
I do some shopping, I do banking, and I go to the drugstore. I’m able to do more chores than what I did in the beginning. Little by little I’m venturing out, you know? I try to get out every day to make the day a bit pleasant.
How is life different now from the beginning of the year?
When it first began in March, everything just stopped. I couldn’t take the buses, I couldn’t go to the theater or the Senior Center. But after several months, my fears started to subside and I gradually began to do things. It’s getting progressively better.
It’s good to hear that. What do you miss the most about pre-pandemic life?
I miss getting together with my family on special occasions. The last outing we had was to see the Christmas Show at Radio City. Life was good then.
What precautions have you taken to make sure you’re staying safe this year?
I sit out with my friends and we sit six feet apart. I stay with the same people. I don’t go out to lunch with many people — maybe one or two and that’s it. I don’t take car service like I used to. I’m still wearing the mask of course and sometimes gloves when I go out.
Glad to know you’re taking appropriate safety measures. Can we talk about what’s carried you along through this year?
My faith carried me through this year. I pray a lot and then God gives me the strength to go through the day — to meet new people, to sit out and to occupy myself.
Are there any lessons in particular this year has taught you?
What did it teach me? It taught me how to survive — how to take care of myself and how to keep busy. It taught me to get closer to God and to depend on God for my needs. You never know what to expect in life. I can’t wait until the pandemic is over and we can go back to semi-normal.
Speaking of life being semi-normal again at some point, what do you look forward to seeing in the future?
I don’t think things will ever be the same again, and I feel that it’s a new chapter. It’ll be winter soon and I have to find ways to keep myself busy with God’s help. I’ve been through so many chapters in my life and I look forward to this next one. I’m hoping it’s going to be a good one.
That’s a great outlook to have on this situation.
It’s true! Because at my age, you go through this, you go through that. What now, after this? What am I going to do? But it’s a new chapter, that’s a good way of putting it.
Thanks again for doing this interview. Stay safe.
Thank you. You too.
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