Six weeks at home

It seems so hard to believe that six weeks ago today was our first day at home.  Although I knew we weren't going back to school in just three weeks, I also realize that we didn't really truly understand what was about to happen.

This has been a tough week for very many people.  It was the toughest week in our house as the reality of many end of the year losses were realized.  I know for many parents of seniors, it was the same.  I also know it was a tough week for many teachers, as the reality of the remote end of the year hit.  While many of us knew it was coming, the fact that there was no more "maybe" was tough to hear.

The fact that I am most likely (decisions will be made public next week) not going to get to see my daughter walk across a graduation stage, and probably not even wear a cap and gown is heart wrenching.  We will probably not get to take the trips we had planned for the summer.  We haven't seen Andrew's parents since Christmas.  I have lost a significant portion of my income for the year, and since we aren't have church services even my income there has been cut.  There is the mental toll of not being able to see anyone, and when you do happen to run into someone, you can't hug them like you might want.  There is the mental toll of worrying when you go into a store, not to mention worrying about whether or not you can buy the things you have on your list.  I realize now how we have taken that for granted for so many years.

This hasn't all been awful.  We are all enjoying a more laid-back and relaxed schedule.  We are all enjoying our family dinners and walks and movies.  We are definitely all enjoying sleeping in.  I can't believe it is the 24th of April, and I haven't had to be up for anything before 9:00 all month!!!  It doesn't mean I've slept until then every day (but many days), but it does mean we are getting pretty well rested.  I am enjoying the time to keep the house picked up and to organize and digitize many family photos.  I am enjoying appreciating the little things a little more, and I'm certainly grateful for deliveries and technology.  I've enjoyed seeing neighbors take walks, and seeing children outside.  I've appreciated that some things are just simpler.

School begins in just under sixteen weeks.  It most likely won't be the normal school we have known, and there is a chance there won't be any activities for a while even next year.  It might literally just be classes.  That is why I am insistent to just remind myself to enjoy each moment as it comes right now.