Stories From Six Feet, Paw Paw Lake, MI (2026)

12/08/2020

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Subjects: The Craig Family
Location: Paw Paw Lake, MI
Currently: Although we've always spent a lot of time together as a family, 2020 took it to another level. We're lucky enough to have a place in Michigan that we've been visiting for almost 20 years. While it has always been a summer oasis and a fun place to spend the holidays, it really became our home base during all the craziness of quarantine. It was certainly an adjustment for four kids (and two fiancées) to be living under our parent's roof again, but we very quickly came to appreciate the quality time we were being given. The first stage included supporting each other through job furloughs, cancelled trips and changes to what was supposed to be a fun senior spring. We then transitioned to accepting the unique situation and appreciating our new, weekly traditions like lakeside runs, sourdough baking and Sunday viewings of 'The Last Dance'. As summer winded down and family milestones like college and weddings came into view, it became obvious to all of us that the madness we endured was really a blessing in disguise. We may still be eagerly awaiting the light at the end of the tunnel along with the rest of the world, but we're all leaving 2020 filled with both gratitude and ten months worth of memories that we wouldn't have had otherwise.

11/10/2020

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Subject: Jas (.Isamara)
Neighborhood: South Elgin
Currently: I feel like I was able to realize a lot about myself this year.

I've always kind of struggled with indecisiveness and figuring out who and what I want to be, so I think that's what 2020 helped me with the most.

Social media started to bore me, and I found myself picking up new hobbies that brought me actual happiness versus the temporary good feeling every time someone hit the "like" button on my photos. And I could honestly say for a period of time, that was the happiest I had been in a really long time. Reality would kick in every now and then when I would get ready to go to work, (since I was considered an essential worker) but for a moment it was really nice to simply take the time to focus on what was good for me.

It felt like someone hit a pause button on the world, and it was okay that the whole world was/is on hold. So I am continuously asking myself, what is it that you plan on doing with this time? And I just feel like I really have taken a hold of it and made this season as beneficial and fulfilling as I possibly could. And I'm honestly so proud of myself for that.

10/28/2020

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Subject: Sarah |
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
Currently: Just a year ago, I opened my latest studio. I was getting more and more requests from clients to use my space for events and my previous studio on Southport wasn't big enough. Plus, I knew I wanted to do something to give back to my creative community.

A lot of photographers don't have their own studios and in a city like Chicago with its harsh winters these are definitely needed. I created Wildwood Studio to have a really cozy, welcoming feel that could help support the community of creatives and local small businesses for photoshoots or events. I love collaborating with like-minded business people and am really missing some of the usual networking events, as the virtual events just aren't the same for me.

This last year hasn't quite gone according to plan, but I was able to slow down and started to learn more about videography, while still exercising and cooking healthy, plus it helped me think about how I can use the studio in other ways.

During lockdown, the studio was a safe haven for me where I could still get creative and I was so grateful for it and really appreciated how lucky I was. Things are slowly getting more "normal" on the photography side. But as the situation is still very tough for many small businesses I have had to think differently on how to pivot my business with micro events and I am thrilled to be launching Dinners at Wildwood. This is a chance for clients to use my home from home as their own restaurant. The venue is BYO and you can either bring in your own food or support a local restaurant you love. It's exclusive use, where there isn't the time limit or the same 6 person limit , plus the space has limited access to the public.

Of course, I am also there for photographers as a space they can use and for people to hire for their own events. We have our first Thanksgiving dinner planned in here, where a family will be enjoying their meal and I will be there to capture this unique memory. There have definitely been some fun firsts in the studio this year!

10/26/2020

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Subject: Jake Kazmierski
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Currently: If anyone would have ever told me, “In the year 2020 there will be a global pandemic, your career of ten years will come to an end and you will run your first marathon” I would have said you’re insane. But it happened – the pandemic hit, my position was eliminated at the hotel I was working at, and I was in the worst shape of my life.

Initially I decided to run the marathon last October when I watched one of my friends finish her sixth marathon. I had been dealing with the stressful aftermath of a house fire and was looking for something to bring me back to life. I asked her if she thought I could handle it. She told me I could do it and that day I committed to run with her and the rest of the Ronald McDonald House team.

And so the training began. 4 days a week, little by little the mileage increased and became more intense. In the beginning I struggled to finish even two miles. Later, I kept telling myself, “Just get to 5 miles without stopping.” That in and of itself was an exciting accomplishment for me. On September 19 my training peaked when I ran 20 miles in just 3.5 hours and was less than a month away from my first marathon – even if it was going to be virtual.

In 18 training weeks I ran 485 miles. Every morning run was time for me to focus on the things I had control of. Being focused on running my first marathon would end up being a perfect distraction while the world around was sort of falling apart.

Yes, this year has been rough. Yes, I lost my job like so many others out there. Yes, 2020 has sucked… but there is a silver lining — I was able to focus on my health and well-being and create positive energy for myself. I want to remember my 2020 as an accomplishment – a time when I pushed myself to be my very best.

Even though I ran my virtual marathon solo, I had the support and love from so many of my friends and family for this journey! And on October 11th, 2020 I achieved my goal of running 26.2 miles for the Chicago Marathon!

And yes, I will be doing it again next year!

10/11/2020

This project has been so rewarding in so many ways. The recognition is appreciated, but it’s all of you who have made this project what it is. Forever indebted to those who have shared with me.

Thank you to , , and Christen A. Johnson for making me feel so special.

10/06/2020

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Subjects: Tara, Derek, & Cameron
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Currently: still adjusting to life as new parents!

Like so many others, we never expected to be raising our first child during a global pandemic. Cam was three weeks old when lockdown started—the isolation in those early days was tough. Once it warmed up, we started to get outside more, and our spirits lifted. We’ve enjoyed exploring new parks and neighborhoods throughout the city. Welles Park, by our house and where these photos were taken, has been our go-to spot to chill with friends and family. We’re thankful to have grandparents nearby who have stepped up in place of daycare.
 Thinking about all the socialization our son is missing out on is a bummer, but we try to have perspective. We are grateful for our good health. We know we are privileged. We’ve been moved by the power of the protests against racism and police brutality this summer. And the pandemic has certainly highlighted the racial disparities related to employment and healthcare in our society. All frontline and essential workers are in our thoughts, as are those whose lives have been negatively impacted by the virus.

We have hope that positive change will come and that our son's generation will know a better world.

10/05/2020

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Subjects: Lenny 🐶, Joe & Lisa
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Currently: With COVID making it impossible to create plans, life became stuck in neutral. Lenny, a little spark plug, shook that all up. We always planned on getting a puppy, so what better time than now?

Lenny has completed our Lincoln Park cliche. We can’t wait to take him to Oz Park so he can race around with the other big dogs, but until then we are just lucky to keep watching him grow. His jolly personality reminds us that good times are ahead even if times right now are lacking the usual joie de vivre.

10/01/2020

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Subjects: Jackie, Venu & Avery Raghavan
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Currently: Relishing the additional time we have been able to spend with our son Avery due to Covid. With our companies permanently moving to remote first we have been able to see so many more of his "firsts". While the additional time is a blessing we are so sad it has meant Avery has not been able to meet his family in Ireland. We are excited to hopefully head home for Christmas. Trips to see great grandparents have also had to be postponed, we worry about their health daily. We miss the "normal" days with friends and look forward to having them back. A lesson learnt to always be grateful for the time you spend with loved ones.

09/28/2020

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Subject: Kim Bowman
Neighborhood: South Loop
Currently: Asking a math teacher to write a caption? Bravery. But, as for many, this pandemic has created a whirlwind of emotions for me personally and professionally. As a high school math teacher in CPS, it has been nothing short of adversity, successes, failures, optimism and hopelessness.

When the quarantine first started, I felt like life abruptly changed. One Friday, I'm in my classroom with students and then before you know it, we were told to go virtual, with little or no guidance on what that meant or looked like for students and teaching. Finishing the school year, I felt like I was scrambling to figure things out, and I really was just sad to miss out on the last quarter with my students. Switching from constant interaction to having little or none was exhausting, especially when I saw the mental and emotional toll it took on my graduating seniors.

I know that many people believe teachers take the summer off, but the truth is I was constantly working and planning this summer. Will school be in person, virtual, or both? Being prepared to teach any of those and thinking through what that looks like has been a full time summer job. Will I be successful? How will I form meaningful relationships with a new group of students? How do you teach MATH on a computer? How can I get students to engage with each other in a meaningful way? How do you run 8 Google meets at the same time?! These thoughts were constantly circulating in my head.

Now that school has started, and teachers and students have started learning what works and what doesn't, the anxiety isn't crippling. I'm optimistic about my students' learning and, I'm trying desperately to find ways to connect with them and have them connect with each other. I'm still holding out hope that one day I will get to meet more than profile icons or tiny videos of humans, but until then I'm just trying to take it one lesson at a time.

09/22/2020

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Subject: Kate & Benji
Neighborhood: Lakeview East
Currently: Adjusting to teaching during a pandemic.

2020 has definitely taken a toll on mental health, as it has for many people I know and love. Many of my teacher friends are teaching remotely which presents specific challenges, but I’ve been teaching in-person for 4 weeks on a hybrid model. It’s definitely been hard to leave Benji behind every morning but it’s opened my eyes to the incredible support system I have. A roommate working remote that loves him as her own, friends who step up to watch him for a workday, and my family that welcome him with open arms if I’m working late! Benji is the best thing that has ever happened to me, but he’s also showed me all the great things I already had, as well.

09/21/2020

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Subjects: Vince, Nancy & Luca
Neighborhood: Norridge
Currently: Enjoying all the extra time with this little family of mine, which includes a lot of Lady Gaga dance parties and Trolls on repeat (mostly Vince’s request, not Luca’s). Although some days are better than others - my husband being an electrician was part of the McCormick Place conversion project, working nights and 12 hour shifts, a lay-off, a pay cut and a non-related covid-19 health scare - I have never been more grateful for my husband, Luca’s big smiles and our support system. I am excited for my new career path and these photos which will be a constant reminder of what’s kept me going and all that is important in life.

09/17/2020

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Subject: Aishah Williams
Neighborhood: Chicago
Currently: Being a frontline nurse during the Covid pandemic has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. In truth, at the onset, I felt calm and sure of myself as a nurse, but as the reality and gravity of the virus set in, I became anxious and overwhelmed by grief for the hundreds of thousands of people who were losing the fight to the virus, while others, their livelihood.

Having lost a colleague to Covid, and me myself contracting the virus but surviving it, I went through a time of feeling extreme guilt. Like why was my life spared but his wasn’t? I’d often ask myself if there was more I could have done. If the outcome would have been different if we’d acted sooner as an organization.

As we transition out of quarantine, and more and more patients return to in-person visits at the clinic, I’m hopeful for better days ahead. I also feel a sense of camaraderie with my patients that wasn’t necessarily there before the pandemic — this feeling that we’re in this thing together, and that we’re living through a time that will undoubtedly shape how we move forward with our future.

In a way, I feel honored to be serving others with my work during a time where hope and compassionate care is most needed. I feel as though I was created for such a time as this. So here I am, here I’ll be, continuing to put one foot in front of the other, while trusting that there is purpose in the chaos.

Stories From Six Feet

12/08/2020

11/10/2020

10/28/2020

10/26/2020

10/11/2020

10/06/2020

10/05/2020

10/01/2020

09/28/2020

09/22/2020

09/21/2020

09/17/2020

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