We visited with my grandmother

Yesterday Catherine had an appointment.  We were nearly 1/2 way to my hometown, and my grandmother had asked to see Catherine before we took her to school (which is happening in stages).  I also wanted to see my grandmother as it had been nearly two months.  Oh my goodness, that woman amazes me every day.  You would never, ever know that she is 89-years-old.  She is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I am forever grateful for her.  We are in a stretch of lovely weather, and we sat out on her back patio so we could be outside and distanced.  I know it is hard not to hug, but we want to be as safe as possible.  It was lovely.

Things change

I know that we all know that things change, but two examples have happened in the last 24 hours that really drove it home to me.  First, we learned last night that school will be online for at least the first quarter, and I'm guessing it could end up being the entire year, the way things are playing out in our state.  While school is online, there will be very little reason, if any, for Thomas to need to be up before 8:00 each morning.  I can't say this makes me unhappy!  Ironically, it was four years ago that we learned that Robert's bus would be picking him up each day at 5:45, meaning we were going to be having a 5:00 alarm.  This is a change I don't mind at all!

Yesterday the ONLY thing we had on our calendar was Andrew's school training from 3-5.  I happened to be noticing that on our calendar four years ago we had Robert's cross country practice from 8-9:45, a haircut for me at 9, a haircut for Andrew at 10:30, eye appointments for both Catherine and Thomas at noon, Andrew had middle school football practice from 4-6:30, Robert had a doctor appointment at 4, and Catherine had band practice from 6-9.  Yikes!  Certainly, some of the lesser schedule is because of the pandemic (otherwise Thomas would have had band practice yesterday), and some is because there is only one teen contributing to our calendar these days.  Somedays this particular change is hard to accept.   I always knew this is how it would be though, and I'm just going to hold on to each moment my kiddos are here with me!

It all could've been much worse

Last night Andrew watched to the school board meeting.  I made him listen through headphones because I was just too anxious about it.  The decision was made, as expected, to begin the year remotely.  However, the school board is not committing at this time to an entire semester, so we will just see what happens.

I am very grateful that they only shut down contact sports.  I am certain those students and families are disappointed, but in our house we have a band student, and I am very grateful that he is allowed to continue.  My mother mentioned she doesn't feel that there should be sports if they can't physically be in school.  I explained that normally I would agree with that, however I feel it is important at this point to give kids whatever can be SAFELY given to them.  Anything, however little, is better than nothing.

While they did decide to form a committee to look into teacher reductions, it will not be for this school year.  Andrew's job is safe, but all of the teachers are colleagues and it will be tough.  They also decided not to eliminate educational assistants at this time.

Overall, it went about as well as could be hoped for during such crazy times.  There are still tough decisions ahead, but I am very pleased with the decisions the board made.

Stress dreaming

I have to say, last night's dreams were full of stress.  I completely understand, that is pretty much what is on my mind these days, but it doesn't make for very restful sleep.  I remember back to seven years ago, and the stress level these days feels very similar to that time.  We got through things then, and we will get through them now.  I wouldn't mind dreaming about more pleasant things though!

I miss going to church

Every week since church shut down in the middle of March, our Pastor has been sending an email showing the bulletin as it would've been printed, as well as a video of his sermon.  Today, Thomas even figured out how to mirror our computer so we can watch it on TV and not all squeeze together on the couch.  In times of crises, it is so difficult not to have the opportunity to share our faith with others during service, but I am so grateful that we live in the age of technology where we still have options.  I so look forward to the day when we can all go back to church.  I truly miss being in church!

More discouraging news

We learned last evening that our superintendent is planning to immediately RIF 2/3 of the district educational assistants.  In theory, this is not permanent as they would need to be re-employed "when" school opens.  Unfortunately, we are beginning to wonder if that will happen at all this year.  Honestly, going back to school in January during flu season after holidays seems unrealistic if they aren't going to try at any point during the first semester.  Further, we learned that the school is most likely hoping to eliminate some teaching positions before school begins.  Rumor has it this would also include "specialized" teachers where it is more difficult not to be in-person, such as music and art.  That of course would mean that Thomas wouldn't have any kind of music instruction at all.  That breaks my heart, not to mention that the director is someone I obviously know well.  Again, theoretically the teachers would be brought back on when school begins in-person, but it just isn't good.

I'll be honest, this all just really, really sucks.  I hate it.  I hate all of this.  I'm having trouble finding the silver lining.  People are losing so much, including lives.  Some days I'm just not sure I can pray enough.

Wonder what August is going to bring

Anyone who has read my blog for a few years will know that August is not my favorite month.  August is often hot, and I hate hot weather.  August is when school starts.  I don't mind that nearly as much as I did when the kids were younger, and especially when Robert was still going to school.  August has also been the month of much personal stress and sadness, although gratefully that hasn't necessarily been the case in more recent years.

Who knows what this August is going to bring though?  Usually when life has been stressful, I rejoice in a new month and a chance at a clean start...an opportunity for it to be a good month.  This year?  Well, it's a little hard to be optimistic at this point, and a little easier to be concerned and even afraid of what's coming next.  Hopefully, it's a lovely month!