I have dealt with isolation and a strict routine in the past. But, this is the first time that I experience these things with loved ones. The first time I dealt with something similar to the ‘stay at home order’ was when I was deployed to Iraq in 2008 with the U.S. Air Force. I remember some of the activities that kept me busy while I awaited orders to do my job. When the mission permitted it, I exercised, participated in breath-holding and handstand competitions, played instruments, prayed, and played soccer in the sand. Some of the other guys got creative. I heard that one of them made a music video, but got in trouble for filming it in a controlled area. I learned a lot about photography while I was over there; I would look at magazines and photo books that were left behind by others. I also kept a journal and took a few photos, but the mission was the priority - it kept me busy more than anything.
Twelve years later, and I find myself in one of the strangest moments in human history. In mid-March, my fiance and I flew down to Ocala, Florida. We flew from New Jersey to attend her brother's wedding. The wedding got postponed for a later date because of strict measures regarding social distancing. We decided to remain in Ocala after New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy gave strict demands about non-essential travel to and from New Jersey. This Coronavirus disaster has not been too rough for us since Ocala is mostly rural. In general, we feel safe, but we hear news of other locals testing positive for the virus. We have already had a family member who passed away recently; she was much older and died from Covid-19 complications. My fiance and I both fear for our parents and loved ones who are considered vulnerable. Both of our mothers are considered essential workers, so they go out to work. We worry a lot about them even though they follow all of the strict guidelines that local, state, and federal authorities recommend.
For me, it is back to what I know best during times like these: remain busy. Fortunately, I have photography to keep me occupied. I keep a written and photographic record of each day since we arrived in Florida. I have documented our home, as well as, airports, highways, supermarkets, streets, neighborhoods, restaurants, stores, and since I love surfing, I document that also. Most of the beaches in the north and central east coast are open to the locals, however, only for exercise-related activities. Sunbathing, loitering, and beach parking is prohibited. We are lucky to be together during this pandemic. It is difficult to imagine not being with loved ones during this crisis. I get uncanny sensations from all of this, and sometimes I think about my time in Iraq.
IG: @andresimaging