In the heart of New York City, as the world grappled with the onset of the pandemic, Jessica Lavoie, a seasoned model, found herself with an early understanding of the unfolding crisis. Her connection to overseas factories through her fit modeling work gave her an insider’s view as news slowly trickled in. Amidst the uncertainty, a new nightly tradition began that many New Yorkers embraced—clapping at 7 PM to honor essential workers. For Jessica, her husband, and their five-year-old son, this ritual took on special significance.
As they joyfully banged pots and released bubbles from their one-bedroom apartment’s window, a friendship blossomed with their neighbors across the street, Flo and Jim. The couple, in their studio apartment, became their unseen companions, encouraging more bubbles and blasting cheerful tunes. Unknown to Jessica then, this connection would transcend the physical barriers, leading to an unexpected legacy. Jessica shared a photo of her view during a clapping session with a Facebook group, which later featured her picture prominently in a book that united global perspectives from windows worldwide.
This moment captured not just a view, but a symbol of hope and human connection during trying times. As the story of her view crossed borders and reached an art exhibit in Brussels, it highlighted how even the simplest acts of kindness forge bonds that last. Back home, Jessica’s tale became a centerpiece at a local street fair, bringing her community together and transforming an extraordinary experience into a timeless story of resilience and friendship.
I met Jessica LaVoie when I was in my early twenties and she was a teen! She always wanted to be a model! We lost touch after the ending of my partnership with her cousin, but reconnected when she moved to NYC a decade later. She still models, but in addition she’s a professional photographer.
Her non-professional photograph was chosen as the front cover of a book that was inspired by a Facebook group, View from my window, that was created on 23 March 2020 by the Belgian Barbara Duriau during the lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic with the aim of connecting people from all over the world. Thanks to the photos taken from their homes and shared on the group, members were able to travel and break out of their isolation. Find out more about VIEW FROM MY WINDOW here: https://viewfrommywindow.world/?
This minisode was clipped from a LIVE virtual Show & Tale: Artifacts & Totems (Pandemic Edition) to build connections, community & legacy one story of stuff at a time.
_______________________________________________________________________
Looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com
Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨
If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/
Watch here:
Or Listen here:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed