When all of this started getting real the week of spring break, I was fine staying at my apartment even though my roommate was at her home and my parents were all the way in Mississippi. Days after I got back to my apartment, I got a sinus infection. The decision to go home to my parents wasn’t a choice anymore. My mom is immunocompromised, and traveling eleven hours while sick was not an option.Â
I became stuck at my apartment, alone and miserable. To top it all off I was tested for COVID-19, which was terrifying. I’m so grateful I was able to get tested and even more grateful that it came back negative. After two weeks my sinus infection was gone, but things had only gotten crazier in the world. I now had to figure out what I wanted to do before it was too late to go anywhere.
My mom wanted me home so badly but was doing her best to support whatever I decided. I personally love being alone and having time with myself, so being by myself wasn’t a huge issue for me, but we’re not sure how long we will be quarantined to our houses and I’m not sure how I will feel without human interaction for possibly months. Florida has been implementing more restrictions to help keep residents at home, and who knows how these restrictions will continue to develop. Things came to a head a few days ago, when it was announced that Florida was going under a stay-at-home order. My mom told me to come home, so I’m now safely back in Mississippi — it honestly feels really nice to be with my family during this time.Â
I know I’m lucky to have people in my life to be with during this time when lots of people don’t or may not have the option to be with them. Whether you’re with people or not, and whether you’re okay being alone or not, your feelings are valid. This is a crazy time for the world, and no matter what your situation is, you deserve to feel however you do. Keeping your emotions holed up in your mind while you yourself are literally holed up at home is not the answer. Stay safe and healthy, and above all, stay home!