Pandemic - 6 month update

 It's been six months since this pandemic became real for us. It really feels like so much longer. Six months ago is when our school shut down and I was suddenly facilitating and teaching virtually. We weren't prepared. I spent hours trying to figure out how to get food, sanitizer, and toilet paper. I watched every White House briefing. At the time, there was a sense that it was very temporary and we'd be back to normal soon (I didn't buy into that, but it was nice to feel that way sometimes). Now, we've experienced a spring, summer, and the beginnings of fall with the pandemic with us.

We miss seeing friends and family whenever we want. We missed the State Fair, going to museums, our 2020 vacations (Mexico, Fripp Island, Gatlinburg), indoor play places, birthday parties, holidays, restaurants. We've gone back and forth on what things are "safe" and how to manage social situations of all types. Some of our favorite places are closed forever now, we never got to go one last time. Others may not ever open again and only time will tell. It may be months before we step inside a restaurant again. Chris and I have only had a couple of date nights since March. Camden and Savannah are back in school, but there is a sense of uncertainty. Jonas is sitting this year out of preschool. Time keeps marching on but we know there are many things that will still be different for awhile and maybe forever.

Despite all the negatives, some good things have been found, too. We took some opportunities to reach out (virtually) to friends and family. We chat virtually with family, friends, and our small group. We were able to move and get settled into a nice new house since our calendar and social schedule were very empty. We've saved money by forgoing vacations, activities, preschool, restaurants, and parties (although our grocery budget has been very tight). We've found creative ways to spend our time exploring parks, playgrounds, walks, and time at home. I think most of all is that we've learned we can be creative when it comes to solving problems. We've thought outside the box. We've become more flexible and enjoyed the benefits of having more free time. We've accepted that things aren't the way we wanted them, but found that somethings might actually be better. I know I've appreciated this slower pace and a clearer calendar. When it's all over, I know we'll be ready for some sense of normalcy, but I also think there are moments we'll look back with in fondness.