TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — For people who have trouble seeing or hearing, the pandemic has added yet one more challenge.
That’s staying in touch in a world of masks and social distancing.
How can you read lips, if you can’t see them? Or get close enough to hear someone’s words, when you’re supposed to stay away?
“The only reason I know where you’re at is because I told you where to sit. If you just came in, I have no idea where the camera guy is,” said Jeri Cooper.
Jeri was born legally blind. Throughout her 61 years, her vision continued to worsen until she lost it completely.
“What is a handshake?” asked Newschannel 8’s, Maureen Wurtz.
“Oh my gosh, a handshake and a hug is almost like giving me 20/20,” said Jeri.
Since COVID hit, Jeri hasn’t been able to do the one thing that helps her see touch.
“I remember one day I broke down. It was just, uh, really isolating when you’re not able to touch anybody,” said Jeri.
Not being able to touch means Jeri has lost yet another way to relate to the world around her. Touch replaced how she sees and how she hears.
“I would have to feel, have my hand on your hand, so I would have to feel that you have the little finger and the ‘L,” said Jeri.
Jeri relies on touch to not only see but to hear. Jeri is also deaf.
“That’s why right now, being six feet apart, your voice can’t get to me. So, you’re thinking, I need to talk louder, but that’s just making it more muffled,” said Jeri.
She said, she could start feeling helpless and sorry for herself, but she knows one important truth.
“The most beautiful things in life cannot be seen or heard, but rather felt with the heart- I thought that’s a true quote right now,” said Jeri, quoting Helen Keller.
Jeri, finding hope and happiness, even when the world around her is silent.
“Are you kind of- counting down the day until you can hug a stranger or shake someone’s hand?” asked Maureen.
“Absolutely! I’ve been telling my Sunday school class, just wait!