When the magnitude of the pandemic finally set in it was hard to process the uncertainty of it all. Moving back home and not knowing when you’ll return to campus is a strange feeling.
However you soon get used to the new ‘normal’ and adjust. I’m fortunate enough where my only concern during this pandemic has been my schoolwork. I know the majority of people have fuller plates. However my time at home soon became lonely. My older brother had moved out before I returned home for spring break. While my older sister is spending her quarantined days in California… (we live in New York). So I didn't have any siblings to annoy or hangout with.
Of course I’ve been talking to my parents and doing things with them but it’s not the same. My brother luckily only lives about an hour and 20 minutes away, so I decided to visit him one weekend. The weather was nice so we decided to go for a walk along the water and we FaceTimed our sister.
Taking a walk with your brother doesn’t seem that special until the world stops spinning like it used to, and instead of a walk being a simple routine it is one that fills you with joy, love, and appreciation for the simple things in life.
It was a nice refresher from having nothing to do alone, to having nothing to do but spend time with your brother. In these times you make every little thing you do fun. I know my brother enjoyed my visit because living alone for the first time he was probably feeling lonely just like I was at home.
On the drive back home I felt refreshed. In that moment I no longer felt bored or alone (which I physically was). I felt content that no matter where my siblings are we will always have our bond.
It’s a tale as old as time. Sometimes you need something to be taken away to understand its significance. I’m happy to be reminded of the love my family shares even though the lesson was brought home because of this unforeseen lockdown.
But I do know that no matter how long it takes, when this pandemic is over, I know I will still have my family and its love. That's worth coming home to. Every time. No matter what that time looks like.
~~ Kelechi Dimgba (Class of '23)
FOR THE STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES CANNOT SUPPORT THEM DURING THIS TIME OF NEED, WE HOPE THE GATOR FAMILY WILL STEP IN AND HELP. PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION.
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