In Quarantine

I love to spend time with my mom, but not like this. I can take care of her, but COVID makes it much more challenging. Every time I entered her room, I put on two masks, a face shield, gloves, and a trash bag over my clothes. I asked her to put on her mask as well. Because she had been too weak to even move her body, everything takes longer than 15 minutes, which is how long medical experts said I could spend with her. Unfortunately, I could not follow that guideline.

Getting up and down was too difficult and too risky. When she got stuck in her chair and could not get up, I called 911. She is now in much better care by medical professionals. Because she has COVID, no visitors allowed. I talked to her over the phone and she is doing better. They are checking on her and giving her all the meds she needs. She even told me to check my sister in if her condition gets worse. My sister’s heartbeat increases every time she gets up to walk. She seems to be gasping for air. I recommended her checking in as well. I am keeping an eye on her if she gets worse, I am going to check her in.

I am now in quarantine. I am reading Barack Obama’s latest memoir and getting as much sleep as I can. I am also trying to get out of the house for a walk when no one is around. The skatepark near my sister’s house was completely empty. I did some rollerblading. I don’t think I will be able to use it on the weekend as others will be around.

I won’t be able to be with my wife and kids for a while—probably not this Christmas and New Year. My wife now has to work and look after four boys. I feel so guilty. Thankfully, my mother-in-law is helping us out.