Miss You - Contest Entries

February 26, 2021

The need to social distance to stop the spread of COVID-19 means not seeing our favorite people and not visiting our favorite places. 

We asked you to share who or what you miss the most since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to share with you the answers we receivied. The answers are very wide spread. Some were funny, some were sweet, some were sad. One thing that everyone seems to agree on - we can't wait for things to go back to something resembling normal!

Louise L - I miss being able to go downtown and going to a cafe and watching everyone doing their own thing. Living In the northeast makes it hard to get downtown.

Ashley K - I miss being able to go out to eat without having to worry about if there will be a place to sit down to enjoy. I also miss having options on where to take my daughter to keep her occupied and not feel lonely or staying inside at home because of the fear of her getting COVID.

Susan E - Oddly, I miss picking my son up from the train. We had a routine, he'd go to an appointment, return, I pick him up and we'd have dinner. Now, although we are both here in this house, we rarely get a chance to go out, just the 2 of us.

Edisnajda M - I miss being able to sit down at restaurants with people like Santuccis Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts, and many other restaurants I used to visit on weekly before the COVID-19 pandemic began. I miss being free and going and doing what I want all the time before the pandemic began. I feel out of place and very sad since the pandemic has hit us because it has restricted me from doing many things I used to do before this pandemic began.

Katie P - I miss taking the train into Philadelphia to explore new restaurants and experiences with my fiancé! We loved checking out all the great date nights that Philadelphia has to offer - there is always something going on. I’m excited to continue these adventures once it’s safer.

Suzanne N - The one thing that I really miss is just being able go Center City for really no reason at all. I would go the Walgreens on Chestnut Street even though there is one close by. I would take long walks from 8th and Market to the Walnut and Locust Station even though the place I was going was right at Walnut and Broad Street. I miss going to museums and other places that I once frequently went to. There are no Wawa in my neighborhood so I would go to the one on at Broad and Walnut street which is gone now because of Covid-19. Since we all have to wear mask now there is no eating on the subway trains are buses. That is not a safe thing to do now.

Sophie S - I miss taking the 44 bus to center city every morning to get to class! The sun reflecting off all the buildings makes me feel like anything can happen and gives me hope for the day.

Marcia D - I miss attending events with my family and friends. It’s not easy being isolated and being home so much. I would love to eat, travel, laugh & celebrate with my family and friends. I miss it and I look forward to better days.

Kevin C - What I miss most since the start of COVID-19 is being with friends and coworkers. Going out to Happy Hour in Center City after work. Eating Rita's Water Ice while sitting in LOVE Park or Rittenhouse Park.

Julee M - I miss taking the Broad St Line to the Girard Trolley to go dance rehearsal for the Old City Sweethearts. Philadelphia's Premiere Chorus Girl Troupe! We used to rehearse at a studio on Girard Street, but now with COVID-19, we cannot meet physically for rehearsal.

Milton W - I miss being able to go out & eat in a restaurant. I miss being able to visit family & friends. I believe that ALMIGHTY GOD will see us through this difficult time. My thoughts & prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones & those suffering from COVID-19. One day soon we will get back to normal GOD willing.

Joseph W - I miss going to a sporting or entertainment event. Getting on the Broad Street Line and seeing people boarding wearing their team`s paraphernalia and feeling the energy, the buzz, the anticipation and finally reaching Pattison and ascending the stairs to see the crowds and knowing that it will be a great evening or afternoon.

Harry A - It has been a brutal 12 months for myself and my family. Within the first 6 months, I lost 3 family members (in Chicago), and me being a Bucks County resident, was unable to grieve for them.  I think the hardest part for me, is the sheer amount of suffering I have seen of my Fellow Philadelphians.  I miss going to Phillies games on SEPTA, or any sports for that matter.  I am a human contact type of guy, and not being able to spend the holidays with anyone besides my roommate has been near heart wrenching.  I know we are headed back in the right direction, but two words I never want to hear again are "SOCIAL DISTANCE.”

Brittany B - I miss live concerts!

Jennine M - I miss seeing my coworkers and my friends at my gym!

Megan W - I miss seeing all of my family at once. I have visited them individually but I haven't been with everyone as a group since Christmas 2019.

Parrie B - Philadelphia has so many locations readily accessible by SEPTA, it's hard to name just one. I miss riding the Regional Rail, from East Falls, into Center City and meeting friends for lunch, especially during Center City Restaurant Week.

Mariangeli C - I really want to see in person my colleagues and students in Olney Elementary. I use the J bus to get there. I miss going to the PhilaArt museum, Barnes Foundation, Fashion District, Reading Terminal Market, Penn’s Landing. Also, I miss the Chestnut Hill West train.

Kelly M - I miss being able to see my best friends. It's been over a year, I need our bi-monthly outings and most importantly I need a hug.

Lizzie G - Miss the hubbub of everybody having something to do and somewhere to be. Hearing all the chatter. the weather has not been conducive but would love to sit at a sidewalk cafe and take it all in!

Dayzze M - Who I miss the most is my mom - she is my best friend and not having her close to me or my kids is heartbreaking. We will take the train to go into the city have coffee and stroll around. Can't wait to do it again. Family is everything.

Arnika W - I just miss riding SEPTA enjoying the city, being able to move through the city without constraint. I miss riding to Penn Center and go shopping.

Latrice C - I miss my niece😒😒

Eric H - I miss my father who passed away on March 30, 2020 due to an aneurysm. I wish I could hop on the EL and get off at the end of the line where he would be waiting for me with opened arms. I love you pop. Rest In Power.

Catherine S - I miss freely seeing all my friends in different neighborhoods every weekend. In the city it’s hard to socially distance in the winter so I’ve seen my friends a lot less lately and, as a result, seen far less of all the other neighborhoods in Philly!

Rita N - What I miss the most is NOT being able to see my sister and HER CHILDREN in Delaware. I travel by Regional Rail or the Route 113 Bus and she would pick me up from the train station or the Tri-State Mall. I will be sooo happy to be with family AGAIN!!!!!

Anthony S - I miss being able to travel to wherever I want to and meet up with friends.

Alexander I - As crazy as it sounds, I miss my job! I miss my coworkers! I miss my commute!

Gregory S - I miss so much: my family, my coworkers, coffee shops, going to Phillies games. Can’t wait for it all to come back.

Serena B - I miss riding the train!

Carla B - I miss my daughter in-person and giving her a hug.

Nicole C - Phillies games!!!

Mary Beth P - Being able to go out and explore all that Philly (and life) has to offer without worrying!!

Nicole C - Sixers games!

Jason C - Union games!!!

Dawn B - I miss going to church and see my friends when go downtown have coffee. I try keep touch with friends by phone or by my computer.

Jessica N - I miss being able to hug my friends and booking a flight overseas to visit my parents in Indonesia!

Patrick W – I miss being able to relax and read the paper without worrying about traffic or any other problems. It's just nice to be able to ride and relax in the - thanks SEPTA!

Lonnie G - I miss live music the most. The Pennypack Park Music Festival has incredible bands in the park. All free. The best thing the bus stops near the park entrance.

Charles D - I miss being outside with ppl.

Patrick A - I miss taking the broad street line to the Phillies games with my friends.  All of us being able to take regional rail to 30th or suburban station and meeting at City Hall. Philly is a sports town and SEPTA makes it so easy when going to games. You never have to worry about parking and it saves you money.   Hopefully 2021 can bring it all back together and we will be back on the Broad Street Line for this upcoming season.

Alicia A - Having dinner with family.

Leroy W - What I miss the most is getting together with family and friends in downtown Philly, going to the bars. It’s just not the same but I do believe the end is near and we will all be able to get together. The sad truth is things will never be the same. The lost of lives, businesses closed never to reopen yet we must carry on.

Lena R - I miss taking SEPTA to the office everyday.

Teresa W - I miss the frequency of the trains. It really made life a lot easier. It’s much harder to plan to go to doctors appointments, meetings etc.

Bill Q - What I miss (and can't wait to get back to ) is dining in the city - whether it be in center city or events at the sports complex. I enjoy taking the train from Cornwell's . It's just so much easier. See ya in town or at the game. Thanks.

Carla B - I miss the joking and chatter of riders and SEPTA workers on platform at Broad and Olney. People laughing and talking about TV shows, weekend plans and the fashion of riders...gave me ideas of what to wear and the hairstyles. I miss community.😞

Joyce H - I miss all these beautiful people. My grandchildren and children. My mom in the middle has passed away. I miss her the most.

Mandi W - I miss taking my kids to my Mom's apartment to use the pool in the summer. Since the pandemic, the pool is limited to residents only - no guest passes.

Laura O - I miss my regular bus route to work!

Waltrina B - Family we don’t get to do our reunions or vacation as often as we use to.

Miriam R - I miss going to see my grandchildren.

Dana S - I miss catching SEPTA to work over night @ UPS then getting off at 4 to catch a G just to get me to the BSL just to get off at Hunting Park to get the R to the Frankford Transportation Station to get the J or anything to get Me to My other A.M job at Richmond & Orthodox...I miss my usual Drivers see me running a little late and they wait on me to board...I miss the Usual Drivers on Route 16 I miss the Drivers on Route 8,22, and most of all I Miss riding Septa Safely and Period I miss riding SEPTA all around Philadelphia to see the scenery and I Love the SEPTA App.

Joan D - The ride home on the Warminster line gave me the chance to unwind after work. Now I go from the couch to the kitchen to help with dinner.

Eldrica S - I miss being comfortable, especially at work and riding the bus.

Elaine L - Not enough 14 buses running at night.

Marci C - I miss visiting my dad the most. He is in a nursing home and are lock down to their rooms most of the time.

Richard R - I’ve been a SEPTA rider for 46 years, and SEPTA has come a long way since then, which is more safe and fun to ride. Thank You So much for your service! 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

Cathy T - I'm not quite ready for a sit down meal in a restaurant, but I am getting tired of my own cooking.  I'm hankering for some creative cuisine in takeout containers from my favorite eateries.  Better yet, I'd like to try some new dishes from places I haven't tried yet in town.  I'll grab a bunch of flowers for the table, and I'll be ready for a grand feast.

Liankun Z - Dining indoors.

Denise A - Would love to ride SEPTA again - just miss riding.

Jeffrey K - I miss the Phillies at home.

Cathy T - Enough with the snow already!!  I want to visit the beautiful gardens in and around Philadelphia in full bloom.  Surely spring is right around the corner, and the spring flowers are ready to pop as soon as the heavy mantel of snow has melted.  Meanwhile, The Flower Show beckons!!!!!

Amy F - I miss seeing my friends and families.  And I miss seeing my neighbor's friendly smiles.

Lauren L - I miss my mom the most :(

Caroline D - I miss visiting my grandparents!! I cannot wait to hug them.

John E - What I miss the most about septa is riding the g bus and the El with my kids. They especially loved the one hundred Norristown train. We love you SEPTA. Be safe and happy in these hard times.

Angelique R - Pre pandemic, I used to make a mobile order for my Dunkin every single day just as my train was pulling into suburban station. I would walk into to Dunkin’, wave to my Dunkin’ guy, grab my already ready coffee at mobile order pickup and head on my way. It felt like being a super special VIP skipping the line. This small moment was such a highlight of my day, this teeny tiny interaction I definitely took for granted, I miss this moment, and the Dunkin crew.

Julia L - My sister is who I miss the most. She is my younger sister, my best friend. I remember so many times growing up with all of the memories we shared. We used to get Dunkin’ together all the time & ride the 9 bus down to center city before the start of the pandemic.

Maria D - Covid-19 has taken a great toll on us all. While I appreciate the safety measures and precautions that masks and social distancing provide, I would be lying if I were not honest about the things this pandemic has taken from me. I have missed out on life experiences and the celebration of milestones with loved ones. I deeply miss the beauty of travel and the freedom to do so without the fear of such a deadly virus. Most importantly, I miss the time that could have been spent with family and loved ones. My dad is all I have, after my mom passed 10 years ago. He is much older and out of caution, I have not been able to visit with him. I look forward to the day where we can visit each other without the need of masks or fear of risking his health.

Fran G - I truly miss not being able to go to New York and see a play with my daughter.  It has been a tradition of ours since she was little to go and see a play. It was our thing!!! We would take SEPTA into 30th Street and then catch the Amtrak. I cherish these memories and cannot wait to be able to do this again with her.

Jonathan K - I miss being able to go out to eat a restaurant or see a movie on the big screen inside a theatre.

Suzanne A - I miss all the festivals in Philadelphia that were so easy to get to via SEPTA!

Hannah M -   I miss gathering with my church community in West Philly. I would often take the trolley or the Market-Frankford Line to their homes to gather for meals and for quality time together. We are thankfully able to gather online, but nothing beats sharing coffee and snacks in a cozy living room together!!

Richard F - The pubs are empty,The venues vacant.Vaccines inbound,Yet I grow impatient.But with end in sight,A simple task.I do my part,And don my mask.

David A - I miss socializing at restaurants.

Michael F - I miss the mid-size social gatherings where you know everyone, can be comfortable, and yet still can have quite time.  I miss being excited for snow days, since it meant a change from the usual.

Carey H - I miss my best friend, we used to hang out every chance we got before the rona showed up.  All we wanted to do was hang out and just enjoy being around each other.  Now it's just work home work home. I miss her I miss us before the rona.

Nik W - I miss taking SEPTA to the show and live music.

Crystal T - I miss my daily commute on the EL talking with the cashiers and my regular conductor to the same faces everyday. It was nice to know I would see the same people on my commute to and from work. Center city isn’t the same anymore without familiar faces.

Mary P - It's been MONTHS since I've seen my guy, who is from DE. It would be AWESOME if I could be able to take SEPTA to Wilmington DE and surprise him with a visit to Dunkin! P.S. due to neither of us able afford to travel right now, we didn't even get to spend Valentine's Day together :(

Lori H - Since that start of the COVID-19 quarantine, I miss traveling into Center City for my meet ups with my friends. We live scattered all over the area, but make CC our meet up point to see each other. Restaurant Week February 2020 was the last time I saw one of my best friends 😢

Thomas L - I miss talking to the SEPTA cops at FTC on my way home to the Northeast after work. Interesting to hear about the people they encountered around there. To me they were always friendly, helpful and just regular people. 

Waltrina B - Every year we have our family reunion during August. Due to COVID-19 we were unable to have one. This year if we have one my Aunt won’t be there with us because she recently passed away. Like many others because of COVID-19 we have not had the opportunity to see our loved ones❤️

Carol G - I miss seeing my best friend, Diane.  I also miss seeing my Grandniece, Charlotte, like I did pre pandemic. I also miss seeing my Church Family in person.

Riannon B - What I miss the most since the start of COVID is being able to see family and friends, especially over the holidays, during the last year.

Ryan M - I miss riding to the University City Station on the West Trenton Line from the Jenkintown-Wyncote station to watch basketball games at The Palestra and eat at Jose Garces’ Distrito restaurant.

Mary S - I have been unable to even hug my kids and grandchildren for almost a year and can’t wat to visit, hug, have a meal all of us together.  Just the normal things.

Alyssa W - I miss going to all the great restaurants in Center City.

Joe G - Don't know their names - just the people that rode the Trenton Line into Center City or to the sports complex - always are good time.

Elizabeth F - I miss watching my friend’s kids grow up.  I played with them as babies, and now 1 year later, I’ve missed them starting to walk and talk. Can’t wait until I can see them in person again.

Matt H - I miss the energy on the train with all the people and friendly conductors. I also miss when I get off at 30th St and all the energy in the station. Last I miss going to Saxby and Dunkin’ for breakfast inside 30th!

Chris E - I miss seeing the view out the windows as suburbs give way to city, and the reverse on the trip home.

James T - I love going to a lot of places on SEPTA. Sporting events, concerts, downtown, the zoo and all are wonderful museums we have here in Philadelphia. Sit back and let SEPTA do the driving. I love looking out the window all over the city. All the wonderful architecture the neighborhoods the people the history it's all here and we do have plenty of good people to talk to once in awhile on SEPTA. It's simple it's easy and you can get you just about anywhere you want to go. So sit back I leave the driving to SEPTA it's definitely worth it.

Saema A - I miss being able to freely go downtown, meander around non essential shops at my leisure, and support local businesses.

Jean M - I miss my family, they live in New Jersey and I don't drive, so plan was to start taking the bus to go see them but with COVID-19, not happening at the moment. I miss mall hopping with my daughter and also with my friends. We don't necessarily shop, unless it's Christmas time. It's just something to do and we try to eat somewhere new each time. I miss people who watching, I've been known to sing along with others to the mall music. Such great fun. But my parents and my husband and one kid are high risk so I've been in quarantine since March 13.

Brandi D - I miss going to Center City to shop and have lunch with my Grandmom(Dianna) I miss going to the mall but most of all I miss the way things were before all this happen .

Jonathan S - Everything!!!

Lasina J - I miss travel to city hall on the Broad Street Line and getting to get my coffee from Dunkin’ and pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory then getting on the Route 10 to get to work. With everything closed on that side it’s not the same commute anymore.

Maria A - Last family event my mother-in-law 60th birthday party with all her grandkids a few missing.

Rose M - I'm a first responder and haven't been able to see my boyfriend due to the pandemic. I miss him most since the start of COVID-19.

John S - I miss when my wife and I would go out for a night on the town on a Friday or Saturday night.

Gail J - I really miss just being outside and around people and not thinking about getting sick.

Carol K - The Parkway institutions -- we love to spend weekends exploring the museums and greenspaces in this section of the city.

Judy C - I miss going to Chinatown by regional rail to visit my old housemates!

Sharon P - I miss my Family, I miss going to visit them, I miss my friends, and I miss the students where I work.

Lee S - I miss riding the train to sports games with my friends and fellow fans. The rush to make the broad street line then the Market Frankford and then the Norristown High Speed Line.

Jonathan B - I miss traveling without worry, love taking the regional rail and NJT to NYC.

Scott H - I miss the sights and sounds.

Anitta D - What do I miss the most?  Honestly, it's people's naked faces, without a face mask. I miss seeing their smiles.

Michelle L - I miss the hustle and bustle during peak hrs!!

Kyle S - I miss going to the SEPTA transit gift store.

Jennifer F - I miss my two boys who I used to read to on the train every week! It just grounded me and made me happy.

Jillian G - I miss concerts, Philly outdoor festivals/markets/shopping, dining out in restaurants, & hanging out in bars with my friends.  I used to take Septa to do all of these things.  I live alone, so it's been hard.  All I do now is go to work, work out, come home.  I miss social interactions & laughing with my friends. 

Sarah S - I really miss going to live concerts! Of course always riding home on SEPTA 🙂

Dawn J - Just recently my immediate family started celebrating birthdays and holidays together. To be stopped or put on hold due to Covid-19 social distancing.

William M - I miss my dart night bartender after taking the 73 bus to get there.

Nikisha H - I miss my grandparents 😫 they are getting up there in age and to not be able to spend this precious time with them is heart breaking... Thanksgiving this year wasn't the same either.

Gloria E - I miss eating in at my favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Philly- Abyssinia. A quick bus or train ride to West Philly would usually bring me and my friends up there to eat delicious veggies, meats and spices. Alas, they closed for dine-in during COVID-19. I miss eating their bread with my hands, enjoying the company, and appreciating the food in public. I will be back as soon as I can! I drew this picture last year for them, and today, I look back longing for more.

Trina V - I miss taking the El to Fishtown for Joe's cheesesteaks and delicious milkshakes!! I order takeout but it's not the same as sitting in their cute shop and munching on fresh food (and pickles).

Kristin K - As an elementary Art teacher, I really miss seeing my students in person. They have been working so hard every week, doing their projects at home, but it is just not the same as having them in the Art room. I can't believe it has almost been a full year since I've had the pleasure of their company, whether painting, working with clay, cutting, gluing, drawing, printmaking, or just making me laugh. I'll never complain about the mess again!

Wendy W - I truly miss my sister making her once a month monthly visits from Allentown to Philadelphia just to spend some special sister/sister time!!!

Joanne A - I really miss Center City, especially Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown. It was so easy to take the train or bus in from Bala Cynwyd, hop out for some shopping, great food and sightseeing, and then go home on SEPTA. A big part of the fun was looking out the window and watching people in different neighborhoods or even just at a stop. I look forward to doing that again soon.

Ryan M - I miss taking the West Trenton Line from Jenkintown-Wyncote Station down to University City Station to watch the Penn Quakers at The Palestra. 

Amber W - I MISS THE OLD DAYS OF TRAVELING EVERYWHERE SAFELY ON SEPTA!

Stanley J - I certainly miss physical visits with close relatives, but I connect with them over the phone, or Zoom. However, I also miss the routine, everyday connections with those I regularly greeted each working day - the security guard at my office, people I have met on the train over the years (but with whom I have no other contact), and former colleagues (whether from work, or social contacts) with whom I shared brief updates when I happened to see them during my commute.

Stacey M - I miss walking around the city, slipping into different places and restaurants and not caring about having a mask. I miss concerts and sporting events too. We took everything for granite before. I miss it all!

Hannah O - I miss the special and sometimes life reflective conversations on during my work commute with Septa regional train ride.

Ellen B - I miss my grandchildren!!!! I would see them at least once per week with SEPTA getting me there. My daughter says they miss me as well. Facetime just isn't the same as a big hug and kiss!!!!!!

Susan M - I actually miss the hustle and bustle of Rush Hour and trying to be on time to ride the Septa regional rail train and miss my train buddies! I also miss sharing a 15 minute coffee break each morning with some co-workers at Dunkin’.

Rhonda J - Who I miss is my nephew. He was 7 going on 8. He passed in the very beginning of this pandemic. What I miss the MOST is the children going to school. They are not getting the education they need and some needs to be hands on then in front of a computer.

Christian S - I miss going to music venues, going out to eat at restaurants, always failing at escape rooms, and of course, riding SEPTA all around the city to get there! *Hopefully everything goes back to normal soon! Thank you SEPTA and SEPTA employees for making my commute a safe commute!

Carolee H - Since the start of COVID, my what and who go together.  I miss friends playing live music at live venues. Those nights were priceless to me! Septa was generally my transportation to and from. I live alone and am high risk, so that time with close friends; great music; talking, laughter, a good hug, food and a drink out together was everything.

June G - I miss going to large venues like concerts and movie theaters.

Jillian G - I miss going to concerts; I especially miss seeing the band Phish with my closest friends, friends who I have met traveling the country to see this band.  I have tickets to 8 Phish shows that were all postponed.  I am ready for life to be back to normal again.  I miss my friends.

Gail V - I miss seeing my best friend Yaz! We used to get food and drinks around Center City all the time. I also miss our night outs together at Fishtown!!

Marie B - I volunteer at a hospital and I was put on a leave along with every other volunteer in March 2020. It's been tough because we created a family of sorts and now we all haven't seen each other in close to a year. One of the volunteers I always interacted with has since passed away and I never got the chance to say good-bye. On top of that, I lost my sister and mother and I miss not being able to have a set time and place to get together with people and say good-bye. I miss those interactions with people, I miss being able to go to the movies or just somewhere for the day without fear of getting sick. I just miss the way things used to be.

Paula W - WHAT I MISS IS GOING TO THE THEATER AND LOVE THE MOVIES ON SATURDAY YOU NEVER THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS UNITL SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN!

Jeffrey K - I miss attending Phillies games. There is nothing better than taking the Broad Street line down to Citizens Bank Park (beats trying to park there) to see the "Fightin' Phils," especially with Realmuto back in the fold. Let's hope we can be there at some point in 2021. Play ball!

Adiel I - I miss being able to wear glasses outside without masks fogging them up all the time :(

Rachel E - I miss taking the train into Center City to take fitness classes at the Barre3 Rittenhouse studio.

Jameson P - Taking the MFL out to 40th to see a movie at the nearby AMC, or out to 69th to catch a show at the Tower Theater.

Let us know who/what you've missed most in the comments below.