The last few months have been a trying time and it can be easy to lose your spirits. However, looking at midfielder Distel Zola and his wife, Lorraine, it would be hard to tell that this was the case at all.
Much like other families, the quarantine has provided Distel and Lorraine the opportunity to bond and spend time with each other and their two young kids at home. The entire family has had nothing but positivity and smiles while holding their heads high through the pandemic.
“It’s been really good, we’ve had a terrific time,” Lorraine said with a grin from ear to ear. “This is the first time in a long time that we have had a lot of time together. Every day he is there with me. Lately I’ve been a little bit sick and he has helped me a lot.”
Distel was quick to follow up with a prideful grin of his own replying with “Yes, I do” before the two shared laughter.
Since the quarantine started, Distel has taken on a ‘superman’ type role at his house. Balancing his at-home workouts and taking care of his family with time for himself. In his spare time, the 31-year-old has been practicing his own English with friendly neighbors and teammates and picking up the guitar.
“He is a good father and I tell him that every day,” Lorraine continued about her husband. “Even before the quarantine, he is a really good father. He’s really kind. He’s like a hug. He takes care of the kids – always playing with the kids – probably more than me! Sometimes I look at him like ‘aww.’”
The French-Midfielder noted that he generally doesn’t have this much time to spend with his kids. It’s a rare commodity that he intends to make the most of while staying positive.
The two likened one another to being a crutch. With an emphasis on communication and being there for one another, the two have helped keep each other up and in good spirits for themselves and their kids throughout this time in a somewhat unfamiliar place.
Having signed with Locomotive FC in December, Distel and his family moved to El Paso at the beginning of January. With extensive travel experience – Distel for his football career and Lorraine for humanitarian work in Africa – the two agreed with a laugh that they were not afraid of the big move from Paris, France to El Paso.
Even though the quarantine slowed got in the way of truly settling in, the friendly atmosphere and people of El Paso have made it easy to make some friends, but the two can rest easy knowing that they always have each other.
“We have a good fitting. We have good vibes. He is like my friend, my best friend.”