Giving Thanks for Peace While in Self-quarantine

If I had to define my self-quarantine in one word, it would be peace.

I live in a peaceful, small, rural town. My street is quiet and my porch has a wonderful view. Three of us are at home — my husband, one of my sons, and me. My son is 14, so I don’t have to chase after him or change his diapers, and I’m not consumed with walking him through online schooling.

My fridge and freezer are well stocked, and I have electricity, access to the internet, and plenty of entertainment via the television or board games. And my son’s hemophilia is under control with medication in the fridge. I am fortunate to live with a comfortable level of security during a stressful time in our world.

While my home is filled with peace, millions of people in our country are living with heightened levels of anxiety and stress. Families have children in the home 24 hours a day while parents may be out of work. Many do not have the luxury of accessing the internet, and as for their fridge and freezer, they are often empty.

It makes me wonder how people living with rare diseases and chronic conditions are faring in today’s COVID-19 world. Many have compromised immune systems, so leaving the house even for a quick trip to the grocery store causes fear. Many have lost their jobs and their insurance benefits are gone. How will they get their medications?

This morning, I looked at the calendar and reminded my son that tonight he is due for his medication. He injects himself twice a month, and staying on schedule is extremely important. In that moment, I was overcome by a great sense of gratitude because I knew that his medication was waiting in my fridge. I still have insurance, and access to my son’s medication has not been a problem. It is something I had taken for granted.

For most people, getting medication and groceries, paying bills, and yes, even purchasing toilet paper have not been a problem. But in the blink of an eye, a virus can come along and wreak havoc in our world. We are living in a time when the things that were once “normal,” the things that we take for granted, have become a luxury.

Yet another day in self-quarantine passes, and my family is fed, healthy, and happy, I will give great thanks. Never again will I take the simple, routine things in life for granted. It is my hope that our world heals, that lives are spared, and that we learn lessons from this difficult time.

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Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.