We are living through a strange time, and it occurred to me today that it was worth documenting so we could all remember some day when it is (hopefully) a very distant memory.
It is unsettling to have life upended, to go from full speed working, social schedules, extracurriculars, school and nanny to the four of us at home, wading thru all of the above.
It is nice though, the space. The knowledge that we're on our own schedule, responsible for our own days, actions, accomplishments, energy. Our kids are definitely not accustomed to boredom, and it is interesting to watch them navigate their new expanse, even as it can feel quite restrictive. Truthfully, their first instinct is to turn to screens, and during these early days, we have mostly let them. I'm hoping though, that as we get our legs with this new normal (as it seems like it will be prolonged), they'll remember their imaginations and let them run wild. Just tonight I found them "driving in the car" (our stairs) with dolls and stuffed animals behind them, intent on arrival at their new destination. Their creativity is so rich at these ages, and I am finding the revival of it to be a silver lining of this crazy time.
I am running the kids' homeschool curriculum alongside my day job, and this is tough and exhausting. Teachers have always been superheroes in my mind, but this has catapulted my appreciation well beyond what I've known, even though I'm the daughter of a retired teacher.
I thrive in the scheduling and organizing of it all: I've got calendars and checklists and color coded everything. I mostly ensure everyone shows up in whatever virtual spot they're supposed to (and on time). But what I have in those traits, I more than lack in the actual patience required to sit with them in the learning. Kindergarten and second grade require much shepherding through this process, and managing their wavering attention spans, shifting moods and attitudes, all while ensuring they remain on track has definitely had my head spinning. It's a work in progress. We will get there, and in the meantime, I take deep breaths and remind myself to try to give us all a lot of grace. I screw up. Yell at them. Apologize. Take another deep breath. Try again. And this is the way it goes. I am grateful to be able to work from home, and to get this up close glimpse of their learning, of their becoming at this stage of their development. The rest is gravy, and we'll figure it out.
We are finding time outside to be critical for sanity. The backyard is a treasured respite. They run and play, shoot hoops, draw with chalk, blow bubbles, and participate in daily "PE" sessions with Dad. We sit out there, too. Soak up the sun, change the scenery as we work, read a book, enjoy a glass of wine. We go for walks and bike rides in the neighborhood, load up in the car when we are feeling particularly squirly, roll down all the windows and cruise.
BJ cooks every meal and we serve every snack at home. That has been an interesting shift, too. To see how we manage shopping, especially with certain items in short supply. To wonder what the long term impact will be on our spending, how much will we save by spending time together at home? How will it feel to live with less...less going out, less packed schedules, less external interaction, just LESS?
Our community rises like always. Zoom playdates for the kiddos, Zoom happy hours for the parents. Organized birthday greetings and drive-bys for kids whose parties have been cancelled. Group texts and emails that keep sanity in check, keep camaraderie alive. FaceTime sessions with grandparents, cousins, aunts/uncles and friends. As ever, I am unspeakably grateful for our village.
Week two starts tomorrow. Onward we go. Be well, friends. Stay safe and stay home. Let's kick this thing and gleefully return to the normal we will never again (I hope) take for granted.
I checked today as I often do for the beautiful words of comfort I so desperately need from my hero yes you are my hero my darling daughter! You ground me when no one else can! This unsettling frightening scary thing we are in is bearable when I can see your face and the faces of my loves Rowan and Graham and of course my wonderful son in law who has always made me feel like a huge part of your family unit !
So grateful for Matthew and Angie and of course your dad!
You all are my life so please stay safe and stay in close touch !
Thank you for your words today !
I love you ALWAYS ALWAYS
Posted by: Lee Ann Brock | April 03, 2020 at 01:02 PM