Here we are, a year into the pandemic that changed everything in the United States. In my home, we’ve taken to calling it “The New Flu,” a term that stuck after I first used it back in April 2020. When the pandemic was declared, my daughters were in Pre-K and preschool, and Friday, March 13, marked their last day of in-person learning.
I don’t regret my choice to keep them home when schools reopened in Fall 2020, especially since my youngest has a compromised immune system. However, the social interactions we missed are a constant source of sadness. I had only just moved to Pennsylvania in September, enjoying five months of normalcy before everything changed. By Halloween 2020, I was officially divorced and eager to embrace my new life as a single mom, relishing my freedom every other weekend while their dad enjoyed the single life nearby. But reality had other plans.
Fast forward a year, and I find myself regretting the lack of deep connections with others who share similar values. We have some casual acquaintances, but many seem to treat safety guidelines as optional. It’s disheartening to think that I relocated my family to an area where following the rules is up for debate. We do have one family we consistently meet for outdoor playdates, enduring the sweltering summer heat in masks. It’s not ideal, but we’ve made it work for the sake of friendship. Meanwhile, I’ve watched neighbors disregard safety measures, and my priority remains keeping my family safe.
As a single parent, I cannot afford any missteps. My children and my elderly parents are my main focus. I’ve had to swallow my frustration over neighborhood gatherings that continued through the winter months. What does “safe” mean? To me, it means being vaccinated. As a healthy 34-year-old still navigating the complexities of employment, I’m hopeful to get my first dose by the end of May. But what about my girls? I want them to attend First Grade and Kindergarten in public school come August.
I wish I could say I found my footing during this time, but instead, I’ve confronted both my weaknesses and strengths. It’s been overwhelming, especially without any applause from the sidelines. I discovered I have ADHD, and while I’ve never been on medication before, this year has pushed me to seek help. After numerous consultations and trials with various medications, I learned that stimulants don’t agree with me.
Despite the ongoing challenges, I remain hopeful—for myself, my children, and my retired teacher mother, who has been invaluable during virtual kindergarten. I’m grateful for this time at home and the opportunity to guide my kids through this pandemic and into school.
That said, every day is still a struggle. If I see one more post about “the light at the end of the tunnel,” I might lose it. The only true hope comes from widespread vaccination. Until I receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, I’ll stay cautiously optimistic while teaching my daughters to look on the bright side, all while keeping my concerns in check.
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Summary:
As a single mother navigating the challenges of the pandemic, I reflect on lost social opportunities and the importance of safety for my family. Despite the difficulties, I strive to remain optimistic while prioritizing my children’s well-being and preparing them for a return to school.