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We’ve survived the conventional issues each couple faces, alongside with the intense challenges life throws at you. But now we’re being saved aside by Covid-19.
I’m in New York City. Marco is in Italy.
We have not seen one another in six months.
Spouses of EU residents are an exception and allowed in, however single companions aren’t.
Since we’re not legally married, an ocean separates me and my associate indefinitely.
Indeed, that is actually not about tourism. I do not need to go to Italy to see the Colosseum or go to the Vatican. I need to be with my different half. I need to be with my different half; the individual with whom I’ve shared life altering moments.
I met Marco on sabbatical in Italy after the lack of my dad and mom. He helped me again from the grief and nurtured me by means of some troublesome days early in our relationship.
We’ve gone by means of my breast most cancers prognosis, radiation therapy and, then simply once we had been about to start out our life collectively full time in Italy, our most troublesome hurdle.
I had given up my profession as a journalist in New York City in 2008 to completely be part of Marco in Italy, the place I deliberate to freelance, however then every little thing got here to a devastating cease.
Because of my breast most cancers prognosis, I used to be getting annual checkups. During one in all my routine observe ups, I used to be recognized with leukemia, which was later confirmed to be linked to my volunteer work at Ground Zero. I used to be there days after the 9/11 assault serving meals to first responders as they looked for survivors.
The prognosis was completely shattering.
I put plans to maneuver full time on maintain, and collectively Marco and I navigated the stress and uncertainty of a life-threatening sickness.
We accepted that we must be in an extended distance relationship for a very good a part of 2008, and I discovered wonderful docs in New York City for whom I’m so grateful.
My well being and survival got here first.
So for the previous decade I’ve traveled forwards and backwards between NYC and Italy, returning to see my hematologist and obtain therapy from the World Trade Center Health Program.
It’s not all the time simple. There have been too many visits to emergency rooms in Italy, and the journey is fatiguing due to the chemotherapy remedy I need to take.
But by means of all of it, Marco and I’ve managed to make our relationship work and develop even stronger. It’s not conventional, however we now have dedicated to a life collectively.
I really imagine that the sweetness and great folks of Italy have additionally helped maintain me going. Not to say the spaghetti and gelato.
So in January, after one other great Christmas keep in Tuscany, I returned to New York as ordinary for my medical visits.
And then the Coronavirus stopped the world in its tracks. My April flight again to Rome was canceled. And then my July flight as effectively.
And there is no such thing as a signal I’ll be allowed again in any time quickly.
Yes, I’m not legally married. I by no means signed a bit of paper, however Marco and I’ve positively been collectively in illness and well being.
So, to my expensive Italy: Please let me come again to you.
I’ll take a Covid-19 take a look at. I’ll quarantine. I do know you imagine in love; You virtually invented it.
L’amore è amore.
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