Last night our school sent the email that we would be going to all remote learning after Thanksgiving until (at least) January 5th. I knew it was coming. I’m okay with it. My son is in high school and okay with it. My daughter is in college and already doing everything remote. At this point, I don’t think it’s going to affect our lives that much. I know I’m lucky to be able to say that.

I know that statement can’t be said by very many. I’m fortunate that I stay at home, my “jobs” aren’t income that we have to rely on. My heart goes out to everyone dealing with this in so many different ways. There are parents that are struggling to find childcare, teachers having to teach their students and also their own children, kids that really need to be in a school setting not only to learn but for their safety and wellbeing. My heart hurts for all of them and especially for the administrators that have to make these tough decisions. Small business owners that have put their heart, soul and their savings into their dreams are now facing horrible times.

I feel like we are in a time where everyone is playing by different rules and there are no winners. That’s right, no winners. Some people are wearing masks and following the health department rules. Some are following the rules some of the time. Others don’t believe in masks or rules and are just living their best life. I’m a rule follower. I wear my mask, I limit the places we are going, I’ve gotten pretty strict on what my children are allowed to do. I don’t know if I’m right or wrong. However, these rules were made by people that know way more than me so I’m trying to trust the process.

When the note came home about remote learning, I had very mixed emotions. See, I’m a big time worrier and I feel like since Covid, my anxiety has been much higher. While I was sad that we were going remote, I was also relieved that I could keep our bubble smaller. Having all my chicks stuck in the nest makes me feel calmer. I know there’s a chance I could go get groceries with my mask on and still be infected. But if we are all home most of the time, I feel like our chances of staying healthy are better. In my brain, I know this and it makes me a little calmer. In my heart, it also makes me sad that our holidays may not be the same. As a middle aged adult, I’m struggling with this. How in the world are we thinking that it won’t affect our kids?

We are almost through 2020 and for the rest of the year I’m going to focus on all the good. All the joy, all the love, all the goodness we have in our lives. Our kids are resilient and while these times aren’t ideal, they will be okay. They are part of history, the great pandemic of 2020. They will remember the months we were stuck at home but also the new found hobby of puzzles. They will remember suffering through online school but also all the family dinners around the table that we now had time to enjoy. They won’t be part of big parties but will find deeper connections with their close friends through endless hours of snapchat and texting. We may not be able to go on trips but we are learning all kinds of new tricks and tips on TikTok. While the beach would be awesome now, family movies under blankets will have to do. Plus our dog is living her best life ever with all of us at home all the time.

2020 is going to come to an end but it won’t end us. We will come out stronger. Back when we thought “if we can just make it through 2 weeks, we will be okay”. Two weeks have turned into several months but we will still be okay. It sucks. My heart breaks for so many for so many reasons but we will be okay! Say it with me, we will be okay! We are going to look back and this will just be a blip in time. Continue to find the good, say your prayers, reach out and check on your loved ones. While a huge hug would be great, phone calls and FaceTime will get us through. A quick text or funny snapchat can make a big difference.

Now to end on a light note…y’all…2020 is so crazy I bought bras at Aldi last week. I mean, can it get any weirder?

Love, prayers for good health and air hugs to you all! We will be okay.