Let me be honest.
I don’t feel like I have much to add to the conversation here. Facebook is saying everything I’m thinking and feeling about Coronavirus, quarantine, social distancing, and the absurd lack of toilet paper.
I can offer this, though. If you’re the parent of small children, take a good look at them. If they’re anything like my kids, they haven’t really noticed much has changed. My kids only attend half-day preschool, so we’re home often anyway.
But, to be honest, they seem pretty happy.
Of course, there are the hourly squabbles and the “If you touch her one more time, you will get a spanking!”, but over all, I think they’re enjoying themselves.
I saw a meme about perspective. In the future, when the parent remembers Quarantine 2020, she thinks of stress, empty grocery-store shelves, worry, loooong hours with her children, schools closing, and working from home. But when the child reflects back, he remembers the Uno games, the puzzles, the movie nights, popcorn parties, pajamas, backyard games, and chalk drawings.
I want the child’s perspective.
I mean, let’s be real. We’re only on week…(has to check phone calendar to be sure)…two of social distancing, so we have a long way to go. I will lose my cool at least a few more times.
But, really? Any of these scuffles are very first-world problems. We are blessed with grocery stores that continue to provide. A house in which to quarantine. My husband can work from home, and it’s pretty cool when he pops in periodically to chase a giggling, screaming child around the family room.
Yes, the kids are getting more screen time than usual, but who isn’t? They’ll be fine.
George and I went for a walk around the neighborhood today since we haven’t seen the sun in two days. I felt my extrovert soul breathe. We chatted with two teenage girls (whom we’ve never met) sunbathing on their driveway. Don’t know if I would’ve done that pre-virus, but we’re in a new time!
Just thought I’d drop in and give a little snapshot-in-time entry. I hope y’all are finding little blessings and joys throughout the long days.
Currently Reading:
My Squirrel Days by Ellie Kemper – I have this one on audio book, so it’s a very slow read, as I’m rarely in the car. I know actress Ellie Kemper from The Office, where she played the naively sweet Erin the receptionist. This is a collection of essays from her life, and she narrates the audio book. Her life sounds exactly as I’d expect from looking at her characters. She’s quirky, funny, and laugh-out-loud enjoyable. It’s a good fit for life right now.
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