A young child asked his father, “Why is Uncle Billy so fat?” The father paused for a moment. He could have said because he loved to sit on the couch and eat Cheetos all day, considering it was the truth, but he found this as an excellent opportunity to impart a life lesson.

“Son, Billy used to be skinny. But, he loved people so much, and so every time he met a new person, his heart grew a little more. The more people he met, he grew bigger and bigger.”

This father was not my dad. This anecdote was Russell Crowe in a movie called, “Mystery Alaska.” Albeit, the exact monologue isn’t correct, but the point is that Billy or Bailey ( I can’t remember the character’s name) loved people.

I love people. I love socializing, laughing, and being around people. Being a bartender is a job that I hate. Seriously, it is the worst. The only part I like about it is to talk to people.

My friends and family, I miss them. Being quarantined is difficult because there is a lack of social interaction via social distancing. I am so thankful that I have my fiance, Kaley, and our two pets to spend this challenging time with each other. But, being less than three feet away from one person 24/7 brings challenges. I know couples who are trying to find ways to stay sane with each other, and me and my beautiful other half are doing a great job thus far.

Reminding myself that people excite me has boosted my morale today. So, what is one thing that truly and profoundly excites you?

Being a macro thinker, I believe the COVID-19 social distancing sensation will change world culture, social interactions, and how we operate. With delivery apps, Facetime, and abilities to be present without being present, we can function differently. If this craziness continues, we will find realizations that staying in and cooking for ourselves, playing board games, doing yoga in front of our TV’s, and getting online degrees could make more sense.

The fear of this crisis could create human habits that could change us forever.

Putting my crazy thoughts aside, I miss being around people, and this quarantine is taking that away from me.

I realized this when I talk to my parents or my fiance’s parents on the phone. I miss going to see them, and it kills me that I can’t because I don’t want to infect them with a possible virus without knowing it.

Billy or Bailey’s heart grew every time he saw a person, and I resonate with that. My heart is so big for people that it hurts that I can’t be around them, and the only thing keeping me going is my fiance because I get to be with her.

Let’s be hopeful this ends soon because I don’t want my heart to shrink. Facetime your friends, call your loved ones, and text people that you haven’t talked to for a long time. Trust me, knowing that people are stocked up with supplies, and safe will bring comfort to you in times of discomfort.

To my friends and family, I hope you are all safe and that I can see you soon before my heart starts to shrink.

Remember,

“The Zos Knows”

-David Zosel 

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