Not A Huge Change
It’s hard for me to believe that we’ve been social distancing and isolating for about five weeks now. A lot of people are having a hard time adjusting including my husband and son. They are used to being out and about whenever they want for the most part. But chronic illness taught me how to social distance a long time ago. This part of the pandemic has not been a huge change for me.
Why I social Distance
I have been living with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia for twenty-seven years. There have been many times when I have been housebound or bed-bound. I’m sure many of my readers can relate. I do not social distance by choice. I do not social distance because of a virus. (until now) I do it because many times I have extreme fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain that is not helped by medicine. You can read more about my journey here and here.
The World Is Not Set Up for Chronic Illness
Chronic illness taught me how to social distance which has caused me to feel loneliness and isolation. The world is not set up for people who find themselves at home frequently because of illness. There are many times when I can’t attend my women’s small group because it’s too late at night or I don’t feel well enough. Now all small groups are done on zoom. Church services are now done in people’s homes and broadcast live. Doctors and therapists’ offices are more willing to do phone or video appointments. Of course, I am grateful for these things.
There Are Some Things That Are Different
I miss being able to hug my husband and son. My son is a young adult and lives with us, but not social distancing. He’s not hanging out in big crowds but is hanging out with one or two different friends at a time. I do not feel comfortable hugging him or being closer than 6 feet from him. This is difficult. I’m also choosing not to hug my husband because he is the one going to the stores and is still hugging our son. I am a big hugger so I really miss physical contact. My mom, dad, and daughter were supposed to come this month and had to cancel because of Covid 19.
I hope some of these virtual resources stay long after the pandemic is over, but I know a lot will eventually return to normal. Hopefully, people without disabilities or chronic illness will remember what it’s like not to have human contact for long periods of time or be able to get out of the house whenever they wish.
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