In our household, the prevailing question is, “When will life go back to normal?” My daughters, aged 20, 18, and 15, are seeking reassurance from me that the end of our quarantine is in sight and that they will reclaim their normal routines. They long for the days when they can step outside, socialize with friends, and return to college and high school. Unfortunately, I find myself without answers. I simply don’t know.
Tensions are running high and patience is wearing thin as we navigate these challenging times together. The five of us have been confined for weeks, experiencing a mix of emotions. There are moments of joy, like when I catch my daughters, who are practically adults now, cooking and laughing together. I often ponder if this is the last time they will all share the same roof.
Yet, there are also difficult days—days marked by disappointment and frustration. A prom dress and graduation gown hang unworn in the closet, a summer internship has been canceled, and we’ve received the heartbreaking news of a friend’s father succumbing to the virus. Media coverage amplifies our anxiety, showcasing images of sick individuals waiting for care, and my daughters are understandably worried about the health of our loved ones.
The question of when things will return to normal is complex and laden with uncertainty. The information I consume is often conflicting: “Restrictions will ease, and life will stabilize by summer,” versus “Universities are scrapping fall classes, and the death toll will rise.” I wish I could provide them with the clarity they seek, but the future appears hazy. What will “normal” even look like? Will I hesitate before greeting a friend with a hug? Will I don a face mask at the gym? Will I permit my children to attend concerts? I want to avoid living in fear, yet I’m tasked with keeping my family safe.
The only time I recall feeling this exposed was after the events of 9/11. I was eight months pregnant, watching in horror as the second plane struck the World Trade Center. For years, life could be divided into a “before” and “after” that day—a time when I felt free to travel and attend events, and a time consumed by anxiety. Eventually, the passage of time dulled the fear, but I was irrevocably changed.
What I can promise my daughters is that life will resume after the pandemic. Gradually, we will see a return to some level of normalcy, and eventually, vaccines or treatments will emerge, allowing them to reclaim their lives. The impact of this experience will always leave a mark on me; it has taught me that life is unpredictable. I will remember those days when grocery store shelves were stripped bare of disinfecting wipes and toilet paper, and I will cherish the moments spent with my parents after months apart. My daughters will appreciate the opportunity to return to college and sit alongside their classmates once again.
Like my daughters, I too am eager to restore normalcy in our lives, but the reality is that the coronavirus has altered our existence. Perhaps the ultimate outcome will be a renewed perspective and gratitude for the everyday moments we once took for granted. In the end, maybe that isn’t such a bad thing.
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Summary
The article reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the return to normalcy amid the pandemic, highlighting the emotional struggles faced by the author’s teenage daughters. It conveys a message of hope that life will resume eventually, albeit with a new perspective on gratitude and awareness.