“The Covid 30” is definitely a reality for me. I remember the “Freshman 15” from my college days, but being in lockdown and then strict quarantine has created a situation where my weight has more than doubled. Prior to Covid, my daughter and I got an LA Fitness membership and were trying to eat healthier, mainly whole foods, and also working out at the gym and swimming. We had managed to lose 30-35 lbs. in about 6 months and were feeling better than we had in a very long time. Our family practice doctor was excited and complimentary about our progress and congratulated us on our dedication and our focus on preventative care. Both of my parents are diabetics so I was very worried about developing that horrible condition. We live with my mom who is immunosuppressed so when Covid hit, we were deathly afraid of her getting sick and have done everything we can to shield her from infection. We get our groceries and food delivered and sometimes go through the fast food so that we don’t go into enclosed spaces.

A year on and I feel at perhaps my unhealthiest sadly, both physically and emotionally. My mom is getting the Covid vaccine next week and I am so happy for her. I hope that all of us will be able to get our vaccines too. I feel anxious when I think of my daughter and all the senior year moments and connections she is missing. I feel worried when I think about all of the uncertainty of her future college plans…will she be able to live on campus or not? Will she catch Covid if she lives on campus? A million questions fill my mind when I dwell on this topic. Sometimes I dream of swimming again and I can feel myself moving strongly through the water. The density and weightlessness of that experience remains with me to this day. I reflect and try to manifest the reality of diving into the cool water once again. My belief in hope remains steadfast to this day.

[submitted on 2/19/2021]