“I was stranded from my family back in America.”

It wasn’t a situation anyone wanted, but it was the reality for the mom of senior Michael Martin. 

For many, staying safe during COVID-19 meant quarantining with their family and at home. But for Nety Martin, staying safe meant being separated from her own family thousands of miles away. 

On March 7, 2020 Nety Martin took a flight out to Indonesia to take care of her mother. It was only ten days later that she realized that this wouldn’t just be like any other normal trip. 

“I was there for almost 7 months,” Nety said. “Earlier in February, my mother had a stroke and went in and out of a coma three times. So, I immediately booked an emergency trip back to Indonesia to tend to my mother. Ten days later, the world descended into chaos and I was stuck there.”

Across the globe, Nety’s family coped by holding onto the hope of being with her soon enough to get them through the long wait. 

“Finding out my mother would be stuck was heartbreaking but I knew we’d get through it,” senior Michael Martin said. “The only way I knew to stay positive was to hold on to the thoughts I had of being with her again. I just had to keep my head up like everyone else who was affected by COVID-19 and truly just wait for better things.”

Due to the pandemic’s initial outbreak, many travel restrictions were put in place. But for Nety and her family, the separation turned out to be longer than anyone could have expected.

“This was the absolute longest I’ve been away from them (her husband and son),” Nety said. “I wish I could have stayed together with my family to help them through these times.”

Another concern for Nety and her family were the living conditions in Indonesia.

“In Indonesia, we had it harder as there are more restrictions on being out and wearing masks,” Nety said. “I couldn’t even see other family members that are spread across the islands. Masks were instated, and there were curfews, fines, and even the added risk of being thrown in jail for not following the rules.”

“Our worries stayed with the family because Indonesia is not exactly a first world country,” Michael said. “So, treatment and medicine aren’t the most attainable. My mom had already had heart problems in the past so another scare for us was the possibility of her getting COVID-19.”

Not only were there more safety restrictions, but life in Indonesia during the pandemic was much harder without the comfort of her family.

“It was stressful and heartbreaking losing my mother,” Nety said. “I keep busy helping my family (in Indonesia) and working with everything that’s going on. But we missed each other. And especially for me, I missed my family so much. I missed the responsibility of being a wife and a mother.”

A few months ago, Nety was finally able to return home to her family. 

“I’m glad to be back spending every second with my family,” Nety said. “Although I’m scared because of the pandemic and how it is here in America, I’m glad to be with my family; that’s what matters. But, I pray for my family back in Indonesia.”

With Nety home again, she and her family share the same sentiments. 

“For me, the best part is getting to see her when I come home,” Michael said. “Establishing that connection with parents is always important. For my mom, the best part is getting to spread the love here at home again instead of through calls.”

Although she had mixed feelings about leaving Indonesia, Nety is ultimately happy that she was able to be back home. 

“People keep dying a lot; people I’ve known and loved,” Nety said. “I appreciate spending time with my husband and son, but I also appreciate getting to go on a walk to call and talk to my family and friends. I miss everybody back in Indonesia; I miss my mom, but I pray she’s in a better place just as I hope those in hospital beds right now are doing ok as well.”