The pandemic three years on: Meet a nurse on the front lines

The Pandemic: Three Years On 

National biography-writing service, StoryTerrace, highlights the heroes on the front lines 

CEO and founder of StoryTerrace, Rutger Bruining, comments on the benefits of sharing our experiences in the face of adversity 

This upcoming Saturday, March 18th, marks three years since the World Health Organisation officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. As the pandemic enters its fourth year, many have begun to examine it retrospectively. In light of the anniversary of one of the most transformative eras of social history, national biography-writing service, StoryTerrace, highlights the stories from a generation plunged into lockdown. Forming what will be a large chapter in our future history books, memoirs lend themselves as the most honest accounts of the pandemic and uncovers the truth that the media headlines might have missed. 

Noting an uptick in people wanting to preserve their legacies, the firm observed a 42% increase in projects over the course of the pandemic – serving as a testament to the existential crisis that stemmed from how Covid brought mortality to our front doors, leaving Americans to reckon with the ways that they will eventually be remembered.

One case study, Midori Williams, took pen to paper in order to come to terms with her time as a nurse on the front lines of the pandemic.
  
Meet Midori Williams, a remarkable nurse who worked in COVID wards from LA to New York in the height of the pandemic: 

In Midori William’s moving memoir, she shares her experience as traveling COVID-19 nurse, recounting the discrepancies between different COVID-19 wards from coast to coast and the lessons she learned fighting in the trenches along the way. In the height of the pandemic, she describes how, at a time of overwhelming stress, journaling was one of the only methods of cathartic release for her: “I never really processed my emotions because I couldn’t. Time was a luxury I did not have at the height of the pandemic. The pandemic was so overwhelming, it brought us down to our knees. I would spend hours at work terrified, Id contract the disease and die. The book has been therapeutic, it was a means of catharsis for me.” 

Williams speaks about how journaling helped her navigate the complexities of emotions she was dealing with as a front-line worker, often feeling alone with no means of emotional support other than her pen and paper: “I initially started writing as a form of therapy. I struggled emotionally, mentally, and physically with COVID. I went home plagued by doubt and regret.” 

“It was this tumultuous cycle, an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. Writing the book in journal form was therapeutic. It gave me an outlet. It allowed me to reflect and to extend myself grace. The journal slowly evolved into the concept of a book, something I have wanted to explore but was too intimidated to try. One day I realized this needs to be written so others, including my family, can read about this moment in our lives. My voice and my patients’ voice will not be forgotten.” 

Reaching out to StoryTerrace, Williams realized that her unique experience fighting COVID throughout the states could help herself along with others with their own complex emotions about the pandemic that they may have suppressed: “I would recommend others to write their memoir with StoryTerrace. Though journaling helped me through this hard time, writing alone may not be enough. After working with the ghostwriter I have learned to forgive myself. And to let go of that burden. I have extended myself grace and have to a place of peace. I did the best that I could do with the situation I was dealt with… and sometimes your best is enough.” 

 
 Rutger Bruining, Founder and CEO of StoryTerrace, comments on the power of the written word and the benefits of sharing one’s experiences: 
 
“Sharing experiences has always been a powerful tool of expression and preservation. Now we know as research suggests, it also is also extremely beneficial for our mental health and represents a beacon of hope for others going through similar circumstances. When we take a step back and consider the value of sharing and telling our stories, we see only benefits to the individual, their family, friends, loved ones and even members of the public who can relate to a similar experience.” 
  
“There is power in the written word, and I am honoured to work at a company where over 750 amazing ghostwriters get the chance to enjoy their love of writing and curate relationships with clients where they feel listened to and appreciated. The magic of books – is that it is there forever. The legacy is literally preserved in an art form to be cherished and passed down.” 
  
About  StoryTerrace 
 
StoryTerrace’s mission is to ensure that every life story is captured and passed on in a meaningful way. Its award-winning memoir writing service takes care of the whole process, cleverly matching each customer with the best biographer for them. Powered by a portfolio of over 750 professional writers worldwide and its proprietary technology platform, StoryTerrace has sold over 3,500 packages with an average 4.8/5 star rating on Google reviews. 
 
Founded in 2014, the company has offices in Los Angeles and London. Not only was the company a winner on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2020, they have also been featured in the likes of Sky News, The Times, BBC Radio 4, The Wall Street Journal and CBS News in the last year alone.