On the outside, looking in
A first-person account of being separated from family during self isolation
TRURO, N.S. — I think it’s pretty safe to say everybody’s life looks nothing like it did from a week or so ago. The situation for my family is no different.
However, while most families are trying to curb the spread of COVID-19 by staying home in isolation for 14 days, I am split from the ones I love most. My wife, daughter and youngest son are in isolation in our home after recently returning from a trip to Florida. My wife’s cousin, who lives in Yarmouth, is also there having been on the same trip, separated from her husband and daughter, who is 13 weeks pregnant. Meanwhile, I’m staying with friends.
We also have an older son currently in Edmonton who is going to isolate separately once he returns. So, our family is literally all over the map. I could be home with them right now. But after discussing what our best plan of action would be to get through this, my wife and I thought it would be best for me not to isolate with them. It was a tough choice but it allows me the freedom to get anything my family needs like groceries and medicine and deliver it to them.
My parents have offered to fill that role but we opted not to put them at risk to do so. It hasn’t been easy. By the time my family’s isolation period is over it will have been three weeks since I was last able to hug them. It’s a moment I can’t wait for.
Every time I drop supplies off at my door and ring the doorbell so they can take them inside I just want to walk into my house and be with them. Instead, I walk around the corner to an open window and talk to them through that. It’s hard not being able to hug and kiss them good night, eat dinner with them, play games and crack corny dad jokes that make them roll their eyes. But it seems it’s what is best for now. Heaven forbid one of them comes down with Coronavirus. That’s a scenario I don’t even want to think about.
My wife, Sonya, is doing an amazing job. She’s been keeping the kids busy and off their electronics and making some great memories with them. I’m keeping up with them daily through social media, phone calls and visits to the window.
I’m especially thankful for the friends who have taken me in to be part of their family. They have been very good to me and it means more to me than they know. The fun and laughs we are having certainly make this easier and keep me sane. But the thoughts of everything I’m missing out on at home are never far away.
Hopefully, everyone does their best to keep the spread of this virus to minimal levels, so we can all get back to our families, friends and the things we miss so much.
“By the time my family’s isolation period is over it will have been three weeks since I was last able to hug them. It’s a moment I can’t wait for.”