About a month ago, when the Coronavirus issue became a major topic on social networks, we had no idea that we would be socially isolated and voluntarily locked in our houses. COVID-19 news and statistics seemed foreign and distant. The Spring was at the doorstep, and this part of Europe is known for outdoor living, by the sea and in the sun, without haste. Today, we only have a life without hurry. Our lives have been reduced to a time before and after social isolation.

My husband and I are lucky to be able to work from home. Our 5.5 year old daughter is happy to be home with us. But our everyday life has changed. At first, we watched every day on national television the news by the National Crisis Headquarters and avoided going out. It did not take long for us to realize that it was not very wise. We have arranged an additional TV package with films, series and cartoons. When we have to be home, it is better to watch something that we like and that does not scare us. After 15 days, I walked outside the building for the first time, feeling tremendous fear. The traffic noise is reduced to a minimum. Playgrounds are closed, an official “entrance banned” sign red-flagging that something is wrong.

I realized that we constantly live in fear because every action outside the apartment requires careful planning. Our smart daughter knows about the Coronavirus and understands that she is not going to kindergarten because of the pandemic. Going out with a mask and not being able to socialize with other children is still OK with her. We are becoming more creative in exploring how to be physically active in the apartment. We invent different polygons that are more tailored to our daughters but are also useful to us adults. The smile on our daughter’s face is the best reward for our hard work and clumsy exercise moves.

The balcony became the favorite room in the apartment. Just over 4 square feet in size. It is open and facing southeast overlooking mountains and the sea in the distance. On the balcony, we enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, organize tea parties and drink coffee. Even putting laundry on the balcony becomes play and fun.

My parents and my mother-in-law are in their 70s and 80s. Definitely a critical group. We organized logistical assistance for my parents and brought my mother-in-law to us for Easter. She is an 86-year-old hypochondriac, so it seems better that she is as little as possible alone with her negative thoughts. On the other hand, our daughter will have an opportunity to be with her grandmother for a long time, which was difficult to do before the forced isolation. We plan to keep our mother-in-law with us for about 10 days. Covid-19 had to show up to organize this. I wonder how normally we lived before and how we prioritized things.

As a normal human being I want to feel as little fear as possible and try to be positive. This is a time when we must learn patience and humility. And to stay healthy.

Jandranka Vsarlovic
Split, Croatia