Each person and family experiences this chaotic and uncertain time from their unique perspective, which may include medical professional and essential in-person workforce stress, physical illness, financial hardship, unemployment, anxiety, panic, grief, moments of joy and/or extra time.
We do our best to accept the grief for this world change. Thanks to my husband, nine-year-old and seven-year-old boys, sis, parents, family and friends for cheering me up during this unexpected time. A few of simple work life joys include…
- Regular routines that can now evade us rejuvenate us like coffee, water, shower, clean hair, moisturizer, brushed teeth, exercise and chores.
- Although we miss in-person mass on Sunday and the recent Easter holiday, we still watch mass together on Sunday mornings as a family. Our oldest would now graduate from the junior choir to treble choir, but leads by example at home.
- Our 3rd grade son’s teacher captures our family heart with the art of fairy tales, which our boys read and write.
- We all read. Thanks to my sis who just gifted me, Writers & Lovers Novel by Lily King and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
- Despite some Chicago winter flurries, the sound of birds, buds and bulbs that bloom remind us spring beckons.
- Dance it out, yo! Our boys indulge me in these quarantine favorites, “Stuck in the Middle With You,” “I Will Survive,” “Miami” and more.
- Social distance elation of stranger or neighbor greeting.
- Introverts get a big pass on unnecessary small talk now.
- We get ready for the privilege of virtual zoom chats, which vary starting with our first-grade youngest.
- Our boys make extraordinary art with their Dad.
- We walk our Chicago neighborhood, a lot!
- My youngest taught me to spiral throw the football.
- Virtual exercise, yo!
- Friend and family texts and phone calls help.
- My husband and I just binge watched Homeland, catch-up on The Six of Us and now watch Little Fires Everywhere.
- We strive to do our best. Give others space and act with grace.
We acknowledge some moments are rough, but try to appreciate the joy and thank all our loved ones who empathize and share their best practices for e-learning and our new normal. We pray for all our people, we may find a vaccine and get access for wide-spread testing. We feel fortunate to support local businesses and quarantine from home. Best wishes we all emerge stronger together! XOXO
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