not another virus...

"Mom, is norovirus real?"

"Yep. Make sure you do NOT share water bottles right now. Wash your hands a lot and stay hydrated."

"Is this another virus I should be afraid of? I am sick of viruses."

And... sigh... 

The Coronavirus hit this house differently than others. We laid low, followed the rules and began doing grocery pick-up. We had digital play dates, craft days, and lots of walks outside. We did okay because we stayed the course and followed the news. No one knew what it was or what to expect, but when you have a kid with asthma, you definitely listen to medical advice and stay the course.

We did fine until my kid realized she was the only one of her friends who didn't live with their siblings. And then, water works galore. I would let her use my phone to call whoever she wanted and it became clear that all of her friends were paired up with one other (similar in age) sibling. This became a frequent topic of discussion. I couldn't get her to understand that she had us and it wasn't the end of the world to play or craft with your mom instead of someone else.

I am not worried about illness or viruses. I know that things happen and kids get sick. However, I will NEVER forget those 2 weeks that she hit her low and we worked harder to make her smile. I think of this often when I hear the word "virus". It just makes me sad that she had to feel that way. And now she is worried about a new virus... sigh...

Stay away germs! Please, just stay away! 

define normal??

Defining normal is not always easy and these days, we have redefined the words many times over. We had a fairly normal weekend. Fishing, hiking, biking, yard work, the usual. You honestly would have never known there was anything going on in the world. We got outside, laughed, and enjoyed life. 

We even hit the drive through at Tom n Jerry's for lunch after some outdoor time at Rock Cut State Park (if you're not from the area, google them both. You won't regret it!). Watching people wearing masks while taking orders, making food and taking money is now the norm. Driving through town and seeing people going in and out of businesses wearing masks is just one norm I will have to get used to.

I have to redefine what is normal, but I find myself redefining things that are important to me as well. I can't believe how easy it was to adapt to a life at home. Once the novelty of it wore off and the routines set in, it wasn't bad at all. I find myself opting to do something or read instead of grabbing for the remote. I am at ease calling, texting or video chattimg instead of running to a friend's. I can make due with what I have in the pantry instead of running out for sweet treats and snacks.

I am interested to see how all of this translates once we go back to "normal". I truly hope I will continue to embrace the family concept and use my free time creatively. I now know I can live without sweets, going out, dining out, mindlessly wandering the store because I can, and so much more. I hope my new normal stays happy, healthy, grateful and productive. Cheers to a new norm!