Let's Stay Home
Just two weeks ago everything was normal. I was juggling the endless tasks of a working mom and surviving life one day at a time. It was crazy hectic at times, but I was still very happy. Slow down was always in the back of my mind. I looked forward to the weekends and snuck in time for myself whenever I could. The virus was just a distant thought, not something I imagined would ever directly affect my life. I can remember hearing about it on the nightly news or my friends and family telling me things they had “heard.” It didn’t scare me. I just kept thinking… This will all get figured out before it ever gets to be too big.
Man was I wrong. The past two weeks have been anything but normal. With each passing day there has been some type of announcement, change, or something being cancelled or shut down. I didn’t get to spend those last few days at school with my students because I was home with the flu and strep throat. My emotions have literally been all over the place. I’ve gone from panicked, to scared, to thankful, to sad, to feeling content, only to go right back to repeat the process all over again. I’ve fallen into the trap of feeling like I need to go to the grocery every other day in case I run out of chocolate milk or coffee creamer. Kyle and I have waited anxiously for news on whether or not he would keep his job or be laid off during this time. I’ve learned how to teach online and communicate with my students when they’re home. I’ve tried to explain to Stella why she isn’t going to see her teachers and friends for a while. This hasn’t been easy for anyone. If someone says it has, then they’re totally lying.
It wasn’t until a few days ago that I started to fear the virus itself. It is real. The more I watch the news and the more I read personal stories of those infected, I am sacred. We are not leaving the house. Kyle comes straight home from work and takes a shower, throwing his clothes in a separate dirty clothes pile. It is not necessary for us to go to the grocery at this time. I worry about those whose jobs are deemed “essential” and those who refuse to stay home. My sister is a nurse and I have many loved ones who are among the elderly and immunocompromised. No one knows when this will end or exactly how many people will have the virus.
I REFUSE to focus on the cons of this situation we are in. There are too many things to be grateful for. Life has slowed way down and I am going to appreciate every little moment.
Today is Monday of a brand new week. My husband has a job, I am still able to teach, and my girls are safe at home. We are healthy and have food and plenty of things to keep us busy. I am embracing this time and will make the most of it. It seems crazy to think about all the things I wish I had time for before this, now being the things I do to pass time. The girls were devastated to learn that our neighborhood park is closed, but that’s okay, we will survive. I am going to watch the news less and spend more time doing the things that bring happiness to our lives. I will enjoy the funny memes floating around facebook and FaceTime friends and family regularly. This is a new normal. That is okay. Some day we will get back to what life used to be, but for now, I choose to be content.
XO
Sarah