In recent weeks, I’ve found myself contemplating how to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic with my children. This experience has profoundly impacted me, both personally and as their mother. While my kids will form their own memories, I ponder how I will convey my feelings about this unprecedented time.
I will undoubtedly remember the overwhelming anxiety as the world ground to a halt—schools shuttered, social events canceled, and local businesses closing their doors. I recall the silent tears shed in the shower, fueled by fears surrounding our health and safety.
The memory of grocery shopping in masks and gloves lingers in my mind, a daunting task filled with the dread of potentially bringing the virus home. Each item unpacked was meticulously wiped down, a ritual born of fear. I’ll reminisce about the comfort foods I indulged in and the inevitable weight gain that accompanied them, as well as the days spent in sweatpants, neglecting personal grooming.
Running emerged as my escape, an unplanned necessity for mental clarity. I’ll remember the challenges of balancing remote work with assisting my children in their learning, often setting up Google classrooms in the closet while juggling conference calls and math problems.
My heart aches when I think of how much I missed my parents, family, and friends. No amount of virtual communication could replace the warmth of a hug. I will recall the prayers I sent out for healthcare workers, heroes risking their lives to save others, and the devastation felt upon hearing stories of those who passed away alone, saying goodbye only through screens.
I’ll remember the endless hours of screen time my children endured and the dinners where we insisted they join us despite their desire to be anywhere else. Rainy spring days trapped indoors were a stark reminder of the freedoms we once took for granted.
Most painfully, I’ll think of my children’s tears over missing their cousins, soccer games, and playground visits. Their sorrow is a memory I will carry with me.
However, as their mother, I recognize that I have the power to shape what I share with them. I want to emphasize the blessings we found during this time. I will remind them how fortunate we were to be together at home, cherishing every moment while prioritizing safety. Despite uncertainties, we can find hope for a brighter future.
I’ll express gratitude that we had access to food and necessities, whether shopping in person or online. I’ll talk about how I embraced comfort over appearance, focusing on health by running again. I’ll highlight that while many faced job losses, we were grateful to work from home, allowing us to bond as a family.
Heroes emerged during this time—doctors, nurses, and essential workers like grocery store clerks and delivery drivers. I’ll share the joy of our Friday movie nights and the fun we had with our new gaming system. The board games, coloring, and science experiments we undertook together will be fondly remembered.
Dinner-time traditions became cherished rituals, where we discussed our days and enjoyed the outdoors on sunny days, bouncing on the trampoline, biking, and engaging in yard work. I’ll reassure them that while we mourned missed events, the time spent together was invaluable.
Ultimately, I want to instill in them that we were fortunate to have each other, healthy and safe during a global pandemic. This, above all, is what truly matters.
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In summary, while the pandemic brought fear and uncertainty, it also gifted us precious moments together as a family that I hope my children will remember fondly.