Sense of community

In the middle of March, I returned home to McHenry after being sent home from college. At first, online classes were a tough adjustment, but nothing took up more of my mental energy than worrying about my family.

Within my first week home, I was hired by a local grocery store making me the fourth essential worker in our household. My dad and brother work at other stores in the area and my mom works at a hospital.

I'm very thankful that we are fortunate enough to maintain employment during the economic downturn, but I worry every day about my family's presence in these busy, exposed areas.

Will today be the day one of us is exposed? Am I already a carrier? What if someone in my family gets sick? These questions consume my thoughts.

I am put at ease by the thought of all those who are looking out for our community during this trying time, like Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, our health care workers and the thoughtful community members that advocate for preventive measures and safe treatment of the sick. Their efforts give me a sense of reassurance and pride in our community.

Delaney Wellington

McHenry