by Rebecca Weis, reporter
OMAHA – During quarantine, there has been a spike of divorce rates in the United States. According to the New York Post, “The number of people looking for divorces was 34 percent higher from March through June compared to 2019.” However, one couple that has stayed strong through the pandemic has been Deb and Steve Lampe.
In the spring of 2020, quarantine had many couples faced with a hard decision, either move in together or separate. Many couples have faced the hard reality that living together is difficult. However, for Deb and Steve Lampe it was not actually living together that was the hardest part.
In March of 2019, Steve was diagnosed with eosinophilic ammonia. “I developed blood clots in both lungs, so about two dozen of them. And then my left lung collapsed. So, I was in the hospital for, golly, 31 days and 23 of them were in ICU,” said Steve Lampe.
Once he was released from the hospital Deb had to take cautious measures when re-entering the house from running errands. “I would bring all the groceries home, the ones that can stay in the garage stay there for at least three days. The ones that need to come in the house to the refrigerator and the freezer I wipe them all off,” said Deb Lampe.
Now, Deb and Steve are enjoying their time as a couple in quarantine.
“This is a totally new experience for us being together full time. We spend a lot of time sitting at the table and talking, we do chores around the house together, and I think he has been sweeter and more romantic,” said Deb.
Whether you are a new couple in quarantine or a couple that has been together for years, the advice this couple gives is well rounded. “Either commit and move in or decided to zoom for a while,” said Steve.
And now Deb and Steve are enjoying the benefits of being a couple together all the time. If you and your spouse, or partner, is struggling with your relationship since the pandemic there are multiple counselors throughout Omaha at your disposal. For more COVID-19 updates visit dhhs.net.gov.
