'We're usually like human boomerangs': How an Indigenous couple copes with being separated during pandemic

Married couple Candace Scott-Moore and Richard Scott-Moore have been together for more than a decade, but found themselves on opposite sides of the planet when the coronavirus shut down much of the world.

Richard is from Yuin Waddi Waddi Nation along the Southeast coast of New South Wales in Australia and Candace is Anishinaabe and a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Ont. 

The couple are accustomed to spending time apart for work or ceremony, but this year has marked the longest stretch the two have been separated. 

"We're usually like human boomerangs … we go away and we come back together," said Richard. 

While the two normally return to each other quickly, never spending more than three months away from each other, this time felt different to Candace. 

"Building up to a few days before I left, there was a sadness that I felt leaving behind," Candace said. "I'm not very much of an emotional person … but I cried."

Seeing his wife in such an emotional state was not something Richard was used to. He tried to stay positive for Candace, thinking they'd only be separated a few months. 

They haven't seen each other in more than a year.

More challenges

This past summer, Candace began to experience health issues.

"I believed that I was having major anxiety," Candace said. "I thought, 'OK, this pandemic is here ... I was apart from Richard … there was a lot going on.'"

Sensing it was something more, Richard told Candace she should go to the hospital and get checked out.

As it turns out, it was much more serious.

"My heart was failing on me and … I was diagnosed with [a] complete heart block," said Candace. Half-joking, Candace told Richard, "my heart just doesn't want to beat without you."

Back in Australia, Richard struggled to support his wife from afar. 

"I just felt the heaviness, all I wanted to do is be there for her. And usually, I am," Richard said. "She's my world. I'd do anything for her." 

Candace's health improved after a surgery where she had a pacemaker put in.

But it is still a struggle to be apart.  

"We just have to keep pushing forward and stay focused on each other," said Richard. "We have to keep our communication strong and encourage each other."

Routines have helped the two stay connected. 

Candace and Richard challenge each other with health-based contests, from who can drink more water in a day, to daily step challenges. 

The two are planning to see each other this spring, which will be an emotional moment for both of them. 

"I'm going to hold her for a long time and not let go," said Richard.

"And I will let him," said Candace.  

They hope that their story will give hope to other couples who are apart during the pandemic. 

"If we can do it, everybody else can do it," said Richard.