Today is Day 31 for me. A full month of days spent in my home, going nowhere but the grocery store and walks around the block. Most of the time I'm okay with it. But there are moments...
On Easter Sunday - I woke up feeling blue, knowing that we wouldn't be having the traditional family Easter dinner. I fantasized about one of those parking lot picnics I've been seeing - everybody next to their individual vehicles with 6 or more feet of space between, sitting on the ground chatting. I was sorely tempted, but convinced myself that I would be doing precisely what I had been secretly judging other people for...
I set about my weekly meal planning and grocery shopping. It takes so long now to put away groceries with the wiping down of every item with a Clorox wipe, then wiping the counter, the refrigerator door, the door knobs, and anything else I had touched between the grocery store and the interior of my home. Chores done, I sat down to work on One Little Word and some weekly goal setting when the doorbell rang. Confused, I went to the door.
It was Becca! She and Kyle had stopped by for some socially distanced chatting. So we set up on the back deck (nobody entered the house). Finally got enough chairs set up (they were still under winter cover) when Sarah came walking back! So yes, two of my three children surprised me with an Easter visit.
We maintained social distancing and there were no hugs exchanged. No Easter meal. The kids brought their own drinks and snacks. They only stayed about an hour. I fully acknowledge this was a bit of a "cheat" from the stay-at-home rules. But man, it did my heart so much good!
7 comments:
Yep, Easter was the first time I felt really sad about the current situation. Usually we'd be at one of our kids enjoying an Easter egg hunt with the grandchildren. And if home, a big Walker family gathering at my sister-in-law's. I left Easter bags in Wisconsin in early March thinking I'd be in Hawaii for most of March and early April. I put together bags for the little girls here and got them to Matt when he dropped off our bikes which he stores for the winter. It was the first time I'd seen him in 25 days--and we stayed the required distance apart. BUT, I have a lot more to be grateful for, than to be sad about. There doesn't seem to be any end in sight, so I'm resigned to keeping up the current practices with a hopeful attitude. Thank goodness for technology as we did "see" everyone yesterday.
I'm so glad the girls surprised you & lifted your spirits! I think Easter was tough on a lot of people who are used to getting together with family.
Over the years, we're alternated between family get-togethers an getting away on our own or just doing our own thing at home, so it didn't really bother us. Robbie made a delicious meal and we just hung out. I haven't been out for five weeks except to ride to the post office & grocery store with Robbie (no going in for me). So far, I'm ok & not feeling it too much because I love having Robbie home all the time (even if he's in the office working a good bit).
What a lovely surprise & I am glad it did lift your spirits.
We have been told we have another extended lockdown period - end of May now! And all of our leaders spoke about not gathering for Easter, so they put in place a hot line to report any one that did ... fines were handed out a plenty! No, not the way to spend Easter.
I feel the behaviour fatigue creeping in!
We did that once too, right before the "stay at home" order. Since then, we've been having happy hour via Zoom. That's worked really well for us and can include my daughter and family from Atlanta. Another daughter and her husband stopped by to pick up some things. They stayed about an hour on the front porch. I'm good with social distancing. But as the weather continues to improve, we'll be having a few patio visits.
What a lovely surprise - it's going to seem very strange when we can invite people into our homes again isn't it?
Easter was an emotional mixed bag, wasn't it. Watching the church service on video helped, but I will admit the uplift didn't last that long, even though it is an eternal miracle. 5 minutes with my son (properly distanced) and the grand pup did us a world of good though. Today I am doing grocery pickup instead of shopping myself for the first time, so we will see how that goes. Personally I am not worried about disinfecting everything I bring into the house, but I know plenty who are. On the bright side, it gives you something different to do to pass the time.
That must have been a super surprise! and very hard to resist a hug ... yes, the disinfecting thing is such a pain, isn't it. I'm never sure if I'm over-reacting but going on a better-safe-than-sorry mantra.
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