Donna Perry, who lives in Brooklyn, recovered from COVID-19 a year ago. That’s when producer Yasmeen Khan first interviewed Donna for a news story. At that point, Donna had lost several people to COVID. And as the virus spread through New York City during the past year, she lost many more. Donna estimates that she’s been to at least 15 funerals on Zoom—all deaths related to the coronavirus—mostly for her fellow members of Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn. And she's also grieving the loss of one of her best friends, Selisha. They had been close since childhood and talked on the phone every morning.
Still, Donna is adamant about what she calls the “blessings of COVID.” She’s had a chance, she says, to hunker down with her family, to refresh her marriage, and to think with clarity on what’s most important to her. Donna caught up with Yasmeen over Zoom a couple of weeks ago. "I'm really starting to believe that now more than anything, that every day that I have is a gift and I have a responsibility to live my life in purpose," she said.
Donna learned the importance of picking up the phone and calling her loved ones this year. So we're inviting people to do this together on Friday, March 26. We've declared this day “Pick Up the Phone and Call Day.” If there's someone you've been meaning to call in the past year, get on it. Text "call day" to 70101 and we’ll send you text reminders and tips leading up to our newly declared holiday.
Why You’re Not Having Sex
After the Interview, Our Guest Had Some Questions
The Night Magic Mushrooms and Jam Bands Helped Me Walk Again
My Eating Disorder Turned Into an Obsession With Money
'Tom' Felt So Alone Not Being Able To Drive. We Made An Introduction.
Filling the Health Care Gap (and Filling Lips!) in Appalachia
You’re at a Crossroads. We’re Here to Help.
A Tarot Reader Explains Why Intuition is So Tricky
A Sociopath's Guide to Death, Sex, and Money
From Indie Rockers to Full-Time Caregivers
I Was In Debt. Then My Sister Offered Me $16,000.
The Very Hot Marriage of Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts
A Former Pro Climber On Enduring Chronic Illness
Who’s Driving Your Uber?
Four Interviews and a Revival
This Senator Saved My Love Life
Life After Death: News About the Future of Death, Sex & Money!
Four Interviews and a Funeral
Your Inheritance Stories: When Death, Family and Money Mix
Meshell Ndegeocello Thinks Authenticity is Unsustainable
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Today, Explained
The Daily
Stuff You Should Know
On Being with Krista Tippett
TED Radio Hour