I have a chronic illness that sometimes forces me to stay at home for long periods. When lockdowns began, part of me was glad that others might finally understand what it feels like, and stop acting like either I am choosing this, or that it is in any way easy or fun. For most of this past year and a bit I didn’t have to watch life go by without me, because life itself had paused. I had options; I could join events that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, and people were far more understanding of my condition. It was peaceful, and for a moment I wasn’t so alone. I’d like to say I hope this will continue after the pandemic- that these options will remain available, but I can’t really believe that. People are so ready to move on that they are running right over those who can’t.