Isolation

I am no stranger to spending time alone. For years I have traveled for work and often spend time in hotel rooms lost in a book, movie, podcast, or wasting time on social media. I have no problem sitting alone with my own thoughts. But in those cases, there was always the option to have human interaction. I could walk to a coffee shop or restaurant. I could sit at the bar or in the lobby. But this… this is very different.

Since testing positive for COVID-19, I have been self isolating in my own home. Both my wife and kids have tested negative and we are trying to take every reasonable precaution to keep them from contracting the virus. My physical symptoms are not fun, by any means, but they are also not unbearable. I know that this virus effects people differently and I know that I am fortunate to have mild symptoms. I am very grateful for that. I am also grateful that my contraction of the virus has not resulted in additional spread. After contacting the handful of people that I encountered in the days prior to my symptoms, I am extremely relieved to know that they have no symptoms and/or have tested negative.

I am not here to tell you wearing a mask is right or wrong. I am not going to participate in the debate of whether this is real or some conspiracy created for – well for whatever the flavor is today. I am not going to condemn you for venturing closer than social distancing guidelines. But I will ask you to consider the entire consequence of your decisions, not just for you – but for those around you.

While the physical symptoms of this virus are manageable for me- the mental and emotional toll of this virus is something for which I was not prepared.

It is really easy to go back to the playground days, when someone would say that you had the Cooties and then everyone would run from you like a scene out of a horror movie. Only now, there is no circle-circle-dot-dot remedy.

It is really easy to feel abandoned by those that profess to care about you, because they just don’t know what to say or how to behave towards you.

It is really easy to feel like a Leper or a castoff from society as a whole.

It is really easy to realize how much you take for granted the quick touch from your wife as she walks by. The quick smooch on the way out the door. Or just simply being able to sit near her.

It is really easy to blame God and wonder why me.

But instead I will work hard. I will continue to rest when my body requires it. I will continue to read, write and keep my mind sharp. I will continue to stay connected through phone, text, or social media. I will continue to fight physically but, as importantly, mentally. I will continue to pray with purpose and praise with gratitude. Because this IS a physical and mental battle – and that is how I fight my battles.

I am not sure, yet, what God’s plan is for me or this virus. But I am sure He has a plan. And I am sure I want to be obedient. I trust that He has great things planned and this trial is just part of the process.

If you know someone in isolation – do your part to make sure they don’t feel isolated.

Stay safe.