School will be back in session this week and Covid-19 numbers are sky high in Louisiana, especially so in Acadiana. The past year and a half, I have done everything in my power to keep my family safe from this virus. My family has been cautious and followed the guidelines of the experts to wear masks, social distance, stay home when needed, wash hands frequently, and all who can get vaccinated have done so. We are entering our fourth surge of this pandemic just in time for school to start. I am terrified! This sickness is impacting our children, and there is very little that I can do to protect my first grader. I have already had the talk about masks. “Even if other kids are not wearing their mask, you have to wear your mask!”
The second I became a mom, all I wanted to do was protect my kids. It’s a challenge to know how to do that right now. Not only is Covid running rampant, but RSV has been out of control IN THE SUMMER. Mother Nature needs to chill out! I cannot control how others respond to this pandemic and how much risk they choose to take. I can only control how I respond and protect my loved ones. That is where I choose to put my energy right now. The what ifs are exhausting, overwhelming, and may or may not happen.
I don’t want to put a bow on what is happening. (Fighting the toxic positivity to do so!) If you are feeling the same way, you are not alone. As parents, we all want to keep our kids safe, happy, and healthy. I will do my best to be a good neighbor to you and your kids. To all the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and educators, thank you for your sacrifices to our community throughout this pandemic. Let’s be a little gentler with one another right now. The saying “you never know what others are going through” has a significant meaning. We do not know who is being impacted by this terrible virus.
“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” – Mr. Rogers
