April 1, 2020
Like many, I find myself grappling with the challenges of social isolation. I miss the routine of going to work, the laughter of friends, and the simple act of running errands without dread. I yearn for the sense of safety and normalcy that once filled my days. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, there’s an unexpected blessing: the opportunity to revisit some of the most joyful moments of my past.
I cherish my current life. My children are thriving in their respective paths—my youngest is enjoying high school while my older ones are flourishing in their college experiences. My job is fulfilling, and my husband and I appreciate the extra time we have together. However, those years when my kids were little, with the simplicity of daily life stretching endlessly before us, were truly some of the best times I’ve ever known. For all the perks that come with parenting older children, I often find myself longing for those fleeting, precious days.
When schools closed and my college daughters returned home, I was taken aback by my own anxiety. Instead of relishing their presence, I was consumed by fear, worrying that they might have brought the virus home with them. My days were spent disinfecting surfaces and reminding everyone about handwashing, rather than enjoying the family time I had so eagerly anticipated. I questioned whether we should distance ourselves from my daughter who had a cold, constantly anxious about the looming threat of illness.
As time has moved on and my anxiety has lessened, I’ve begun to appreciate the gift of togetherness. No, it won’t be the same as when they were small. We’re unlikely to engage in arts and crafts or have storytime like we used to. I can’t take them on walks to catch tadpoles or send them outside to play when they’re underfoot. I know I can’t fully recapture those magical moments, but my children are here with me every day, and I’m rediscovering so much of what I loved about having them at home.
The laughter and occasional squabbles of my kids fill the house once more. We spend our time playing games, watching movies, baking cookies, and taking walks together. Our primary mode of communication has shifted away from texts, and instead, we’re enjoying each other’s company without the hustle of our previous schedules. My youngest is no longer an only child, which has been an adjustment, but somehow, they are content to be safe at home with family.
I’m not trying to sugarcoat the challenges of being home with older kids or during this quarantine. Just like in their younger days, we face boredom and frustration. The house is messy and my to-do list often remains untouched. They miss their friends and the lives they had before the pandemic. Our eldest son is not with us, having his own home to shelter in, and we deeply miss him. Life during a pandemic is undeniably tough, and I long for the day we can return to a sense of normalcy.
Yet, I cannot overlook this unexpected gift. For perhaps the last time, I have most of my children at home, and we have the opportunity to enjoy a simple life together, day after day. This experience is reminiscent of a time when life was uncomplicated and filled with joy.
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In summary, while social isolation presents many challenges, it also offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and savor the moments that truly matter.