Friday March 13, 2020 was the last semi “normal” day I can remember. The kids were still in school, and I was preparing for the 2 weeks off due to the Coronavirus.
As everyone is well aware, 2 weeks turned into 5 months. The longest March break EVER!!!
It was hard on all of us, the kids especially. Ladybug really missed her school routine and her friends, the boys were loving it at first until we entered full lockdown and they couldn’t see their cousins. It was and is physically and emotionally draining.
On a positive note – having a child who is medically complex put us at a slight advantage over the average person in Canada.
- We always have a stockpile of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and diapers.
- Coughing or sneezing into the “crook” of the arm was taught before the boys could speak their first words.
- Our hand washing protocol is very strict here.
- The complex care team at the children’s hospital is on speed dial and scheduled a “what to do if” virtual appointment right away to make sure we had all the meds we would need.
- We are used to socially distancing during cold and flu season.
Now that it’s nearly September, we are facing a new set of challenges – preparing for back to school during a pandemic. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that face masks would be a part of our back to school supplies, n’or did I ever imagine having to decide if or when to send my kiddos back.
Every parent has the right to make this choice based on what is best for their family. As of now, we have chosen to send the boys back to school on September 8th, and I’m still waiting to hear what the plan is for Ladybugs school. I’m contemplating driving them back and forth, which means that my plans for when the kids return to school, will have to be put on hold again. It kinda sucks! It’s frustrating! However, it’s our life now, and as crappy as it may seem at times, it could always be worse. Like I’ve written about before, it’s all about perspective.
Please remember to always be kind to one another, and try not to attack parents for their choice on sending or not sending their kiddos to school. Whichever path they decide is the RIGHT one.
Just be kind.
