Seems like life right now, right?
Yes, this will be about COVID-19 … but hear me out. I’m not here to preach. I have no medical background. I don’t work for the government. I’m just a mom trying to navigate so much change in such a short amount of time.
I’m conflicted. The outbreak of this virus is still so surreal to me. I go back and forth between my feelings. Conform and social distance or live your life!! Do this, don’t do that. The judging, mocking, and hoarding. It’s all too much.
Conform and social distance
Practicing all that “they” are asking us to practice. Stay home, don’t come in contact with anyone unless you are 3-6 feet away. Wash your hands. (Why is this new?) Don’t go out to eat and certainly do not attempt entertainment for your kids beyond your yard or a short walk down your street. Don’t go to work. Have your groceries delivered. Flatten the curve! I get it and I agree with it.
– But –
Live your life
I still have to work which means my kids need someplace to go. I have a teenager that is able to care for herself while we work, but what about our 6-year-old? There is no way I would put the responsibility on our high schooler. Yes, she babysits for date night or quick errands, but not for 8 hours a day for 4 weeks. She is not able to supply the amount of stimulation that our youngest needs. So, off to my parents’ house she goes. You know, the ones in the high-risk category for illness. What happens if my kids are carriers? Or I contract it from a customer and pass it on to my parents when my children are spending weeks with them? At this point, I am not flattening the curve.
The best that I can do right now is what I am doing. I wash my hands and instruct my family to do the same. My husband and I go to work and pray we all stay healthy. We try not to fall into the hysteria but stay aware of our surroundings. We are all doing the best we can. Share light and positivity. Share the groceries for crying out loud. Breathe, but don’t share the virus. We can get through this – at arm’s length – but this too shall pass. Be kind.
