Resisting Panic During The Pandemic In The Netherlands

Annemarie’s backyard. “It was hard to get this done in the beginning, with all the Covid 19 limitations.”

Annemarie is a 39-year-old Dutch woman who is back in the Netherlands after having lived in the U.S. for six years. She teaches fourth grade, is on the management team of her school, and is also a ‘leermonitor’ (learning monitor). A single mom to two boys, aged 11 and 15, Annemarie says she has rheumatoid arthritis, which places her at high risk of contracting Covid 19 because she takes immune system suppress medications, which lower her immune system. Luckily, she has a good support system.

“I have an awesome boyfriend who has two kids, too,” she explained..

Recently, Annemarie and her sons, their dog Noodles, and their Russian Dwarf hamster named Lev, moved into a newly built rental house. Her boyfriend is there a lot of the time as well, sometimes with his boys. At this time, she is on her summer break, which means that she is at home for six weeks.

Below is a photo of her neighborhood.

“As you can see my neighborhood is still a construction zone. Covid 19 makes it a bit hard to really get to know my new neighbors, since we cannot throw a block party or anything.”

My Interview With Annemarie

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