A lymphatic massage therapist by trade, Lakeway resident Jen McGahan’s hands lay idle following the COVID-19 outbreak. After the devastating loss of her daughter in February, she lacked a sense of purpose. That is, until last week.
“I’m all about immunity,” McGahan said. “I’m all about natural health and keeping yourself healthy.”
During a recent trip to H-E-B, she noticed that she and one other shopper were the only ones in the store wearing face masks. They made eye contact, acknowledging gratitude for one another taking extra precautions to safeguard themselves and the public.
“I thought, you know, we need masks,” McGahan said. “Some people, I imagine, would be afraid to go into the store, those with a compromised immune system or seniors.”
So she pulled out different patterned fabrics from her past quilting days and got to work.
Although McGahan posted an offer to deliver free masks for her friends on Facebook, she didn’t get a single nibble that first day. The second day brought a couple of requests, a manageable number for McGahan’s skills, which satisfied her self-made pact to write a blog for every two masks donated.
However, once news broke that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended people wear face masks outside of their homes, McGahan was inundated by orders, necessitating a $10 donation request for each additional mask above the first free one.
But the project benefits more than just Lake Travis residents.
McGahan’s 21-year-old daughter died suddenly Feb. 2. By making masks for her neighbors, the massage therapist is now undergoing some therapy of her own.
“I just sort of zone out and listen to music,” McGahan said of her sewing endeavor.
The past two months have been “just brutal,” she said.
“Just at the point where I felt I was maybe ready to join the land of the living, we got this lockdown,” McGahan said. “I can’t go to the gym. No one can see me and give me hugs.”
Although she is unable to work given COVID-19 protocols, McGahan said she counts her blessings since she was able to have a service for her daughter, giving her a proper memorial just before all gatherings were curtailed.
“And then I just kind of sunk into the pit of despair for about a month,” she said.
However, when mask orders began rolling in, the work gave McGahan a “sense of purpose.”
“I feel like I have gainful employment, like I have a reason to get up in the morning and do something,” she said. “It’s been good for me this week, actually.”
And, when COVID-19 is no longer an issue, McGahan said she’ll go back to her massage business, hoping it will thrive.
“When this is all over, Lord knows we’re going to need some therapeutic touch,” she said.
For more information, email jenmcgahan@gmail.com
Credit: Source link
