Streets of COVID

Ethan Stranger, signing in...

I’d like to report that while my trip back to the States was a success, sadly some things came to an end too soon. Upon our return, my parents and I decided to go through Rapid COVID testing, results came in within hours, while my parents tested negative, I, on the other hand (surprisingly and unexpectedly) tested positive… and I asked myself, how could’ve this happened? I wore a mask, washed hands & face (even showered) and disinfected my phone. So yeah I was quite puzzled when I first received the results and tested positive. Not only that, It has destroyed my time here in the states, as I had to self-quarantine myself for about 10-14 days before I went for another test. According to my parents, it could’ve been a false positive, for again, it was one of those rapid tests and they don't have the highest overall precision.

Because of this, I was unable to be active around my own house, or even help my parents. Oftentimes ,I felt like a circus animal walking back and forward within my small cage. I felt bored, guilty, lonely and scared during my self-quarantine. You might be wondering why, while being bored and lonely is completely understandable during the situation. I felt guilty because I wasn't able to help around the house the way that I used to and felt that my parents already had so much to do. I felt scared because I didn't know what was going to happen. Would I get better? Would I get worse? Uncertainty usually brings out the worst of our emotions. I tried to make use of this time by continuing to brainstorm several new ideas for my blog  and even, with a lot of help and encouragement, started up an Instagram account. 

Quick advice, to those who went through a RAPID COVID testing & tested positive - relax, follow procedure & hopefully you’ll be in the clear within 10-14 days. Think about your elders that you want to protect. Again, it could’ve been a false positive (in my case, I’ve had a bad history of seasonal allergies, so that could’ve caused the false positive) but there's no way to tell, so it's best to be careful.

This whole situation made me think about the many things that we usually take for granted, and that we don't tend to feel grateful for. Like having my entire family together, being able to get back to the states, being healthy, having jobs and goals for the future.

In the words of Mr. Barry White:

People, Please don't make us wait too long

We want that cure, baby, can't you see it's only the cure I want?

(It's only the Cure we want), the Cure we need

 

In the loving Memory of my Aunt, “Lucha Gonzales” (who passed away due to COVID-19)