#staythefuckhome

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The world as we know it is a very different place today than it was just a few short weeks ago. Places all around the globe have to go on lockdown because of a rampant virus. I don't even know where to begin with this post. I just know I have a lot of feelings right now and writing has always been the easiest way for me to let it out. I can't seem to put in place the jumble of thoughts floating around my head into anything that might make sense but I'm going to try my best.

To those of you not taking this pandemic seriously - please start. For those that are still going out and about in public because you think this is basically a flu - PLEASE STOP. You may feel fine but a number of people who have tested positive for the virus didn't show any symptoms. You could be a carrier and not even know that you're spreading it around. I'm pleading with you to think about how your actions may affect someone you come in contact with, their families and the people that they, in turn, may have contact with. If you have the option, stay home. If you feel any kind of sick, stay home (that one should be a given on any regular day but especially now). If you have ANYONE in your life that you care about, #staythefuckhome.

www.staythefuckhome.com

I'm not just saying this because our government says it's the right thing to do. I have reasons that are very personal and very serious. You see, I'm one of those in the "high risk" category. The virus is more commonly affecting the elderly but it also affects other age groups, especially those with underlying medical conditions. I am one of those other age groups. I am one of those with underlying medical conditions. At only 36 years old, still relatively young, I have medically been through more in the last few years than most people have in their entire lifetime. Due to having an autoimmune disease, I'm on a number of medications that suppress my already weak immune system so my body doesn't attack itself but also makes me more vulnerable to illness. On top of having Lupus, I also suffer from Interstitial Lung Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension. This virus attacks the respiratory system, so I clearly can't afford to catch it. COVID-19 could completely level me, or much, much worse... 

A few days ago, I had a little bit of my world turned upside down. My boyfriend, the person who gives me strength and acts as my protector through all the things I have to endure, isn't able to come home. Sadly, he is still required at work. His coworker showed up to the office feeling fine, but throughout the morning started to not feel well, showing some of the symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19. It happened that quick. We don't know for sure if his coworker has the virus or a common flu (he's currently not able to get tested) but we can't chance my boyfriend bringing that into our house and getting me sick. I've cried many times over the last few days. In fact, I've been trying to type through tears while writing this post. I'm scared, sad, and frustrated and I don't physically have my person here to help me feel safe. 

I'm pleading with whoever out there doesn't believe this is real. Your reckless actions could totally change someone's life for the worse. It could be a neighbour, a friend, someone you love. It's just not worth it. The next time you're out carrying on as if nothing is wrong, think about people like me, people like your parents or your grandparents. Think about the people that want so badly to stay healthy but may have something unknowingly brought home to them.

This world is a bit of a mess right now but it's not going to be forever. We all need to work together to protect those most vulnerable. This is your community, your city, your country. This is your earth. It's not just about you, it's about all of us. We need to work together to ensure EVERYONE has a fighting chance to sparkle once more. 


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