The coronavirus was something that I would have never expected to be a part of my life. I also didn’t expect the virus to get so serious, where school, restaurants, stores, and theaters would all shut down. Throughout this pandemic, I have never realized more than now, that it is so easy to take things for granted, especially things that are special to us. I can’t tell you how hard it is for me, to quarantine myself, all day, every day, only to see crowds of teenagers my age, hanging around in parks, definitely not social distancing.
At first I thought to myself— there is no way this is fair. People my age, going out with their friends, having the times of their lives, while I stay cooped up at home, with nothing to do. I do admit, I was upset for a while. However, it wasn’t until I had a long talk with my brother-in-law, that my point of view started to change. I have a nephew, with a disability, called cytomegalovirus (CMV). I found out from my brother-in-law, that if people with disabilities, like my nephew that I love so dearly, were to get exposed to the virus, it could be dangerous, no matter what their age is.
This is simply why my point of view changed. If I went out, and hung out with friends, without a care, I could bring serious harm to those that I love. Passing on the virus is so easy to do. I couldn’t imagine my world without my amazing, loving, smiling nephew. Sure, he may have a disability, but he is the most loving soul I know, with the happiest heart. His life is not easy as it is, and if he were to get this disease, it wouldn’t be any easier. This is why I quarantine myself. This is why I social distance myself from others. I do this to protect those that I love. I know that good will come out of this, and this pandemic will end. However, I also know that there are so many people out there who don’t care.
So if you’re reading this, just stay home. The next time you’re invited to do something where you would be with a large group of people, just please, stay home. It makes a huge impact, more than you may know. It takes one person, one person—to bring harm to many people around them. Quarantine yourself, so that you may protect those that you love. It will make a difference.