It has now been just over one year since our world first shut down as the Covid 19 pandemic began. When I think back on those initial days, I feel so naive. I remember getting the "15 days to stop the spread" flyer in the mail. Back then, fifteen days seemed impossibly long. Little did we know, fifteen days would turn into three-hundred seventy and counting. As I packed the kids up today to go to our MOMS Club easter egg hunt, I almost gave up the effort and just stayed home. What do I bring to leave the house? How long will it take to get ready? Can I manage? Right before the pandemic began, I had been hauling 3 young swimmers (one was a friend's child), a toddler, and a newborn to swim team in the dead of winter at the Monon Center twice a week. Now, a task like that seems far too daunting. I've become used to just staying home where it is safe and comfortable. As the year goes on, I know I'll have to regain my confidence again in my abilities to manage being "out".
Take aways from the last year:
1. The information is always evolving and recommendations are always changing. As hard as it is to accept all the changes, it is the way science works and we've learned to adapt.
2. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions that affect the decisions they make. Everyone also weighs each situation's risk and rewards differently, and so everyone responds differently to each situation. We've had to decide for ourselves (based on data and recommendations) what is appropriate for our family with each event and situation.
3. We never thought we could stay home for so long and not go crazy! While it has been challenging, it turns out that a less complicated and full schedule feels nice and we can find things to do at home and outside.
4. We can be so resilient. We can make tough changes for the good of ourselves and others. While I've seen plenty of people struggle with accepting what is needed and their true colors are less than beautiful, so many people have been willing to sacrifice for the common good.
"What were the best and worst things about living through the pandemic this last year?"
Stephanie - Buying our house was a highlight of the past year and it has worked out well for us so far. With Chris working from home, it's been nice to see him throughout the day and he's definitely popped out to help a time or two when he can tell I need another adult set of hands. I'm definitely not looking forward to him going back to the office. I also appreciate realizing we can have a very empty calendar and still be fine! I hope to keep that in mind as things start ramping back up. Zoom meetings with family and friends, when needed, is something I've enjoyed. We don't always have to be together to stay in touch. I'm also so amazed how our world came together to work through this situation and how we were able to come up with multiple, excellent, vaccines so quickly. Science is so cool! Taking a year off from some of our bigger expenses (travel, gas, preschool tuition, etc) and some unexpected income as put us at a better place financially this year (I know that's not the case for many people) and we're hoping that leads to some positive experiences for us. Lastly, I appreciate the outdoors more as a place to be safe and free. The hardest part, for me, has been working through all the difficult social situations that arise with masks/distancing/quarantine/etc. What a mess! I'm also sad for some of the activities we've missed out on this past year (mostly for the kids), but in the end, I think it doesn't matter as much as I feel like it does some days. We still did fun things, enjoyed time together, and saw friends and family (just not in the usual ways).
Chris - The best part was the opportunity that arose to buy the house we now live in. Working from home is a close second. The worst part is not being able to do our normal gatherings with friends and family (small group, church, friend groups).
Camden - The best thing is was that our e-learning days were shorter. The worst part was staying at our house and not going any place.
Savannah - The best thing was e-learning days because I don't always want to go to school. The worst part is wearing masks.
Jonas - The best part has been staying home to play Zelda with Dad on the new Nintendo Switch (paraphrased). "Covid is the worst part, of course!".
Levi (what we think) - The best part has been getting an opportunity to be closer with his siblings and Dad since they're home more. Also, not getting sick as often as most babies/toddlers do during "normal" times. The worst part has been missing out on so many fun places, people, and events his siblings all got to experience their first year.
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