Thanksgiving carries extra weight for Texas families amid coronavirus – The Texas Tribune
When Chris Mabes mother, Gramma Blue, moved to Brazos County, her family got a bigger home for all the friends and grandkids they expected her to draw from across the country. The house had a music room, a large kitchen, extra beds and a 12-seat, hand-carved dining table.
But this Thanksgiving, the house will be nearly empty. Mabes 81-year-old mother, Jewel Bergan-Brumbaugh, died this March, one of the states earliest victims of the coronavirus pandemic.
It's all gone, Mabe said. Nobody comes. We don't see anyone. Mom is gone.
Adding to the isolation, no students and faculty from Texas A&M University, where Mabes husband Jim works, will be invited to share a meal this year. And all of the couples family, including their two adult children, live out of state. The only attendees for Thanksgiving dinner will be Jim, Chris and her mothers yowling, 16-year-old cat, Scooter.
I dread the things that will come up for me and the amount of effort it's going to take to rise above the grief and the fear and the anger about this happening to our country and the world, Chris Mabe said. It's not fair. It's not just. It's terrifying. And yet I know we're going to figure out how to be OK.
This years pandemic has brought untold suffering to families across Texas. The state has reported over 20,500 deaths from the pandemic alone. More than 8,000 were hospitalized in the days leading up to the holiday. Since March, more than 3.8 million Texans have applied for unemployment relief, with 70,000 applying through the first two weeks of November.
And now the holidays are arriving, a season that will be especially difficult for many of those who have lost loved ones, jobs and a sense of normalcy. Making things worse: At a time when they might take solace in the company of friends or family, public health authorities are urging them to stay apart.
Justin residents Ashley and Terry-Lee Washko were saving to buy a house before the pandemic hit. Then when Terry-Lee, 35, was laid off from his job at an oil field company in June, Ashley, 32, had to drive four hours to pick him up from the side of the road. After months of searching for a job and receiving unemployment checks that didnt amount to enough to pay the bills, Terry-Lee got a job at a nearby warehouse last week. Still, they lost the company car that came with his job and their dreams of buying a house anytime soon.
Ashley said the job shed always worked to stay busy became the only source of income to help feed their two teenage kids and Terry-Lees father. As their savings has started to run out, they wont be able to afford food they typically have for Thanksgiving.
"It's been so long since I've had to worry about groceries and now, I'm like, 'Hey, why dont you go to Dollar Tree, I think they have that there,'" she said. "It's just a struggle when the kids are about to be out for Thanksgiving break and they're gonna be home all week and I'm like oh my gosh we don't have enough food for them."
Normally, Ashleys family gathers and brings out a large tablecloth for people to write what theyre thankful for this year. She wrote last year that she felt blessed to have the life she did. Now, her family will stay home. She said if she had to write something on the tablecloth, it would be that the year is almost over.
Social service organizations and food banks across the state are working double to serve an influx of Texans needing assistance. The holiday season is always the busiest time of year for food banks, as they work to ensure every Texan gets to sit down to the Thanksgiving dinner table with enough to eat, said Celia Cole, CEO of the food bank network Feeding Texas, which serves 4.5 million Texans annually.
But this year, the need is much higher than in previous years, Cole said. She estimates food banks statewide are serving twice as many families as they were before the pandemic.
In El Paso, a major hot spot for cases, the organization is currently receiving many more requests for home delivery from people who cannot safely go out to get food, Cole said. The Rio Grande Valley and Houston have also seen a significant increase in need over the last month, she said.
There are, unfortunately, no instances of decreased need, Cole said. Its a lot more people needing help, a lot more food going out the door, and its a lot harder to get food to people in need.
Early in the pandemic, food banks struggled to keep their shelves stocked as volunteers were told to stay home and grocery stores had less surplus to donate.
More Texans than usual showed up Saturday to receive a Thanksgiving turkey from CitySquare, a Dallas nonprofit that provides affordable housing and operates a local food pantry, said John Siburt, the organizations president and chief operating officer. The annual event was turned into a drive-thru this year, with volunteers handing turkeys to people in cars.
Were definitely seeing increased need at our food pantry, with a new segment of people needing food pantries for the first time and a steady stream of people needing to access food to get through the month, Siburt said.
More Texans are also turning to social service organizations for help maintaining their housing.
The most alarming needs were seeing right now are around rental assistance and utility bill assistance, Siburt said. Were being overrun with people who need help paying their rent and paying their utility bills and trying to avoid eviction.
That strain is being felt even by people not directly affected by the pandemic. In Mt. Vernon, Tony Hall, 57, lost his job last year. Hall and his wife, Teresa Barinecutt, 59, have tried reaching out to organizations for housing, but havent been able to find any help.
Hall was working as a log roller last year when one of the 150-pound logs rolled into his chest. He told himself he could shake it off, but had to go to the hospital a month later and discovered that he had loose blood in his lungs that caused blood clots and pneumonia. Without health insurance and unable to work, he and Barinecutt were evicted from their home and are now living in their car.
What I need more than anything is a place to get out of my car and lay down and get some rest, Tony said.
Experts say that reports of depression and anxiety increase around the holidays during a typical year. They fear increased loss and lack of normal support systems will make this year even worse.
There's a lot of societal pressure on us to be happy and joyful during this time of year, said Julie Kaplow, executive director of the Trauma and Grief Center at the Hackett Center for Mental Health. We know that there are a lot of reasons why that may not be feasible or possible for many families, this year.
Joy Alonzo, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M Health Science Center, said the constant stress of worrying about you or loved ones catching COVID-19 isnt making things any easier. Almost 80% of adults said the pandemic was a significant source of stress for them, according to the American Psychological Associations Stress in America 2020 report.
And people like Chris Mabe, who have already lost someone, are navigating their grief in a time where typical support systems like gathering together arent possible.
They're also grieving for a loss of tradition, loss of what they would normally do during this time period, Alonzo said. They're actually grieving for normalcy.
Mabe said shes feeling dread about the coming holiday, but I dont want to feel that.
She said sticking to the routine and finding ways to stay connected during the holidays are going to be the familys safety light. She said shes still planning to cook a big turkey, make video calls, exchange photos on Facebook and stick to her ritual of watching football and yelling at the TV.
I mean, it's not what I want to project, and it's not what I'm going to talk about on the Zoom call, but I'm really aware that that's what I'm feeling because it's a reckoning," she said. "It's a milestone, anniversary dates and little milestones, they bear so much weight, and it's going to be hard.
Mabes family could never gather for a funeral after the death of her mother because of the pandemic. She said it makes her angry that while her family canceled its celebration, her neighbors are still having parties.
Normally, family members would gather in the same room and process their loss together. They would talk about how angry or sad they were, laugh, cry, play music and crack jokes with a bottle of wine or sparkling cider in tow.
We never got to do that together. and that is a huge loss and were not alone in that, Mabe said.
She said she feels lucky to have the financial resources to support her family and access mental health support. Still, despite having experienced tragic losses in the past, she said grieving doesnt get any easier.
Our family has lived very hard lives for lots and lots of reasons. We've always found a way to get through it, Mabe said. And we'll get through this, too. But it is going to be exhausting.
You can reach the Texas COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-986-1919 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. NAMI Texas also offers online support groups, which can be found here.
Facebook, Feeding Texas and Texas A&M University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
Go here to see the original:
Thanksgiving carries extra weight for Texas families amid coronavirus - The Texas Tribune
- Weight Loss Exercise Program Week 1 [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight + Food Tips -- Losing Weight The Hard Way - Antishay Q [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- My 40lb Weight loss Before [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2011]
- yoga for weight loss workout (hd) [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Easy Motivational Weight Loss Speaker Food Addiction Weight Loss Tips [Last Updated On: May 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 19th, 2011]
- Fast Weight Loss Tips [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Quick weight loss workout to help YOU Lose 15 pounds fast [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight with the Amazing Japanese Morning Bana... [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast - Like 20 pounds in 3 weeks! [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- The Inferno Fat Loss WorkOut: Lose Weight With This Killer Circuit That Burns Flab [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- The Best Body Weight Quick, Easy Fat Loss Work Out: Body Wonderful [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- Loss Weight safe [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- Shocking Weight Loss Transformation! [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2011]
- women's fitness, fat loss, weight loss, organic food, gluten free diet, wellness [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2011]
- best weight loss pill [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2011]
- Weight Loss - The Beginning - Watch Me Shrink [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2011]
- WEIGHT LOSS MOTIVATION 148 pounds. 47 pounds lost! [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2011]
- Tips Eat Less Food w/out Hunger [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Raw Food Weight Loss Before [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Mind Movie - Law of Attraction - Weight Loss for Women [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2011]
- Caralluma Actives - Weight Loss - FREE Offer! [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- SURPRISING key to weight loss (must see!) [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- Hashimoto's Hair Loss, Weight Gain Reversed-Relief [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2011]
- Dr. Nova Law ,Body Magic Ardyss ABC 33/40 News interview [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- Top 6 Worst Breakfast Foods [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- Supplement Reviews on YouTube! [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- How to Use Flax Seed for Weight Loss [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- Are you training too much or too stressed out to loss weight? Arizona Triathlon Coach Dr Jeff Banas [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast - How I did it! [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2011]
- The Kevin Trudeau Show: 7-12-11 [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2011]
- How to lose weight fast - Slim weight patch review [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2011]
- Raw Food Weight Loss over 125 lbs #1 [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Women Before and After Incredible Journey! [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Top 10 Weight Loss Mistakes, How to Lose Weight [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- The Best Exercise For Abs And Core [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Vlog #7 : Back on track [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- 141 in 62 week update to my weight loss journey I'm sick and tired of being FAT [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- RAW FOOD WEIGHT LOSS 101: Whats the best water for a lean, fit, healthy body? #228 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- How I lost weight [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Getting Succeeded at Weight Loss-Weight Loss Tips for Women. [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- India's 40lb Weight Loss with Before and After Pics! [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Lose weight easy as 1-2-3 ( [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- what i eat during my weight loss journey? part 2 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Jonah Hill Weight Loss: Star Talks About Being Skinny in Interview (09.22.2011) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Super weight loss stunts! [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Secrets of weight loss and anti aging 3rd July 2011 Morning Message [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Success Story Weight Loss Before and After Transformation [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Healthy Weight Loss Tips - Nutrition by Natalie [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- LOSE IT: Weigh in - 3.8kg (7.9lb) total loss for Sep! [Sep 29] [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Home made body wrap directions [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Free Weight Loss Hypnosis Video [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Yoga for Beginners [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight at Home for FREE (Diet [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Advice - How To Start Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight with Water - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Abraham: NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS - Esther [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- REBOUNDER EXERCISES to LOSE WEIGHT [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight In Your Face - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Best way for girls to lose weight 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Loss Weight Programs - How to Start Losing Weight Right Now - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Motivation - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2011]
- My Diet Plan: What To Eat To Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2011]
- How To Enjoy Summer and Lose Weight By Running - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - Lose Weight without Dieting - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- My reasons to lose weight Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Lose Weight Get Fit Have Fun Love Yourself The FatNoMoSho! Episode 3 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Dr. Oz - Shed Your Fat For Good - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - How to Lose Weight - Obesity Cure - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Ayurveda Aur Hum - How to Lose Weight - Right Diet - Ayurveda - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2011]
- Hello! Update Jan 05, 2011 - Losing Weight The Hard Way - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2011]
- Importance of Eating Several Smaller Meals to Raise Metabolism and to Lose Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- The Ultimate Fat Loss Pyramid (Part 1): Meal Timing - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Women Weight Loss Tips - Foods I Should Eat to Lose Weight Faster - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- The Easy Way to Lose Weight - Hormonal Balance - Video [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2011]
- Anna Louise Haigh - Wholebeing Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Portland Personal Trainer - How to lose weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Take The Beachbody Challenge And Win Money For Losing Weight - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- BodyEngine - Lose Weight with Science! - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- 2. How to LOSE BELLY FAT FAST AND EASY// How to lose weight fast for teenagers men / women - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]