When my kids were little I longed for a pause button. Knee-deep in diapers, sippy cups and afternoon “naps,” I sighed at my tired reflection in the mirror, evidence of my day splattered and crusted on my clothes. I daydreamed about a time when I could sneak away from the crazy to soak in the tub, read a book, use the restroom- all without an audience.
In life you rarely get a pause button.
Except right now. The quarantine we’re experiencing is the greatest pause button I can imagine. With everyone I know still healthy and my husband still very much employed, COVID-19 has delivered a multi-month pause from the insanity that was our previous schedule.
Today was the younger kids’ last official day of school; summer starts tomorrow. I can’t say there’s an appreciable difference between the two this year. May typically rivals December with its impressive list of obligations and celebrations, but this year almost the whole month slipped by without much fanfare. While Ohio is beginning to open back up and the threat of our typical rat race looms, I realize how fortunate we’ve been for this pause in the midst of this season.
However our summer plays out and whatever happens in the fall, I am so grateful for these weeks of forced togetherness, especially with our rising high school freshman. We can dive into what comes next refreshed and with a new feeling of gratitude for the regular things we previously took for granted. This new post-pause perspective is better than any book, bath or solitary time.
Thank you Jenni. That is such a wonderful perspective, and we truly can be thankful in all things. Uncle Pat
Thanks Uncle Pat!
You said so elegantly what I’ve been thinking. I too am grateful for this quiet season. Love you.
Thanks Mom!
We are in the first phase of post-lockdown here in Chicagoland. Some restaurants are re-opening, but I have no plans to go to a restaurant and as a foodie, that makes me sad. I am absolutely petrified for Liam to go back to work in Cook county Monday. He’s working on Covid-19 research for expecting mothers and newborns. I know he will take safety precautions, but still worry. They think second wave will happen sooner. I am not listening in to his conference calls, but I do have ears. These doctors think it could possibly be within the next 10-12 days and the states that are opening are at risk. I know they are trying to be conservative in their estimates (I have met these people). I originally heard not until the fall. But I heard one of his bosses say it could be June and it has absolutely nothing to do with the temperature. If anything, people are going to not wear masks in the hot temperatures. I hate masks, but they are necessary.
My nephew was a 2020 senior. I am concerned he won’t have freshman year in the fall at BGSU. Ours was wonderful at Miami. I want him to have that experience. I digress. Thank you for this post. I am coming back to C-Bus beginning of August to see my optometrist. If time permits, and we CAN, it would be great to see you.
IT would be great to see you Tinny! Keep me posted.