COVID-19 was declared a pandemic about a year ago but I remember when it started to affect my everyday life. I was still somewhat new to being a mom of three with my youngest at 7 months old. I first heard about COVID at the end of February but it just sounded like “that problem over there” and to be honest I wasn’t overly concerned.
I vividly remember the week prior to Spring Break. I was really nervous about what I would do with all three of my children for a week. (The irony of this now is not lost on me.) I tried to come up with ways to keep the kids busy by planning out a mix of playdates and at-home activities.
On Thursday, March 12th my son began his first-ever elementary Spring Break. On Friday the 13th, he had a kindergarten friend over from school. They played Minecraft, made up games, and laughed incessantly. I thought about what it would be like to juggle 4 kids since I finally felt like I was getting the hang of it with 3. (I don’t wonder about this anymore. I’m very happy with my trio of children.)
Later that day, a friend of mine shared how she had just gotten her kids a bounce house and posed the question, “Are you prepared if you have to keep your kids at home?”. Keep your kids at home. What was she talking about?
On Sunday, we went to church. I don’t remember the sermon or anything in particular but being in the church felt nice. Little did I know that would be the last time I’d go for quite some time.
By Monday, March 16th, I watched as my social calendar cleared and things in my area shut-down. The infection rate and the death toll rose and the rest is history. It was such a grim time.
A year later, I think I have made the best of it. I’ve learned and done a lot of things. However, there are things that I miss:
Going on dates
Going on vacation
Going to the movies
Getting together with friends
Making new friends
Making small talk
Looking at people and smiling
Going to concerts
Going to plays
Depending on where you live and how you live, you may be missing more or less of these.
There is more behind than ahead of pandemic-style life in my opinion but that doesn’t stop me from feeling sad or a little morose sometimes.
This has been a very looong year in some respects. Although I have been a stay-at-home parent for the last 6 years, I’ve always been able to take my kids out and about. I’m very outgoing and extroverted so this time has been tough on my personality type.
Sometimes it really gets me down but I try to count my blessings. I’m grateful that my family is healthy and that we’ve gotten a lot closer. My kids have a much stronger bond this year than they would have otherwise. My marriage is in a really good place. I’ve had ample time to self-reflect on the way I want to live my life. I’ve really held on to my faith. I still have good friends. Thankfully my husband did not lose his job and has continually provided for my family. We are moving forward.
When I feel bad, I journal, pray, talk to my husband about it, text a friend, put on some good music, or find something to laugh at. I’m not the same person as last year. Although I guess from year to year, I never really am the same person but in 2021 I am aware of my growth.
Going forward I have a new respect for smiles and social gatherings. Not to mention traveling! I’m hopeful that coming out of a chaotic time, I am a much better person than before.
How do you feel that you have coped with the last year? Did you learn anything? Is there anything that you miss? Comment below!