Oral History Interview with Jane Barber

Partial Transcript: So, my first question is why did you put out the green light?

Segment Synopsis: Barber decided to put a green light on her front porch because she wanted to do something positive during the isolating initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Barber says she tried to find green lights for her porch at Kroger but they were sold out. Barber then opted to put Christmas lights out on her porch instead. For Barber, putting out a green light signifies that she understands many people are grieving their loved ones who they lost from contracting COVID-19. Barber's father-in-law passed away during this time from another illness. Barber was amazed as a non-Kentuckian while driving in her father-in-law's funeral procession that people on the other side of the road stopped as a sign of respect. Barber wanted to show people who lost loved ones to COVID-19 that she was standing in solidarity with them, similar to how cars stopping on the other side of the road from a funeral procession shows respect to the deceased and their loved ones.

Keywords: Andy Beshear; Porch lights; Isolation; Father-in-law

Subjects: COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-; Frankfort (Ky.); Kentuckians; Kentucky; Governors; Lights; Shopping; Kroger Company; Christmas lights; Solidarity; Death; Suffering; Cemeteries; COVID-19 (Disease)

Partial Transcript: --Um--and my last question, what impact has COVID had on you or your family?

Segment Synopsis: Barber describes how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected her life. Barber does not mind being alone that much but her husband missed socializing. Barber also found it difficult not to be able travel and see her grandchildren who live in California. Barber shares that two of her husband's family members contracted COVID-19 but have since recovered. Barber says no one in her immediate family has died from contracting COVID-19. Barber believes that daily life will not be the same post-pandemic.

Keywords: Husband; Alone

Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-; COVID-19 (Disease); Social; Frankfort (Ky.); Kentucky; Kentuckians; Travel; Grandchildren; California; Fear; Change