Oral History Interview with Robin Wheatley

Partial Transcript: Okay--uh--so, my first question is why did you put up the green light?

Segment Synopsis: Wheatley decided to put out a green light because Governor Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to do participate in this initiative during his press conferences that provided daily statewide updates about the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020. Wheatley also wanted to show that she was in solidarity with Kentuckians who had lost loved ones to the COVID-19 disease by putting out a green light. Wheatley says participating in the green light initiative gave her a sense of belonging and felt that she was a part of helping people who lost loved ones grieve.

Keywords: Andy Beshear

Subjects: Frankfort (Ky.); Kentucky; Kentuckians; Governors--Kentucky; COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-; COVID-19 (Disease); Press conferences; Death; Solidarity; Grief; Hope

Partial Transcript: What impact has COVID had on your or your family?

Segment Synopsis: Wheatley says that the social isolation of the pandemic has been difficult to manage. Wheatley says she likes to hug and get close to people, which she has been unable to do during the pandemic. Wheatley has also not been able to visit her parents or children since the pandemic began. Wheatley purchased a set of green fairy lights on Amazon. Wheatley painted some candles green and put them inside the fairy lights once their original lightbulbs had burned out. Wheatley says that she still has her green light up on her front porch.

Keywords: Isolation; Hugs; Family; Fairy lights

Subjects: Kentucky; Kentuckians; Governors--Kentucky; Frankfort (Ky.); COVID-19 (Disease); COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-; Parents; Children; Amazon.com (Firm); Painting; Candles; Green