Day 1

 Well, it took 8 months- but COVID-19 finally found its way into our home.   

After experiencing symptoms Monday afternoon that persisted and then worsened Tuesday night, I went for a test Wednesday morning.  By 2pm, I had a positive result.  

The results led to a whirlwind of phone calls and texts to inform schools, work, friends and family that we had been in contact with or who needed to know.  Unfortunately, due to Annie's birthday and Halloween, those contacts were a lot more than I think they would have been without those special events.  Specifically, I am feeling worry about the kids I work with at St. Angela's in small groups to 'Tackle Anxiety Together'.  A lot of these kids are worried about the virus and having to inform their parents that I've contracted it was a bummer, as I don't want to add to their worries.  Mallie's two best friends' families have been really Covid-cautious since the beginning in March.  They've recently loosened their restriction and both girls were here on Saturday night for Halloween.  They were careful and sat outside mostly.  But both stayed home from school yesterday to be cautious.  I talked to Rhonda McBride this morning and she was assured by her pediatrician that Lucy was ok for school.  

So far, our biggest disappointments include Annie missing her basketball try-outs next week and me missing my girls' weekend with Claire and Emily (my sister and cousin) this coming weekend- we rented a house in Pennsylvania for the weekend to celebrate Biden's election, but we are STILL waiting on confirmation of those results, adding to general stress.  Tommy felt the need to tell Annie outright the day we got my results that she would be missing her try-outs- without looking into an alternative for in-person try-outs.  It's frustrating because it fueled a lot of emotion on a day that was already wrought with drama.  I am, obviously, very fortunate and grateful that my symptoms are mild.  But of course, we won't get out of this little mess without a little frustration and disappointment. 

Overall, I think our biggest stresses are keeping the kids' grades up while remote learning; keeping everyone else healthy (so far, Tommy tested negative and the kids are all good).  I'm sure in a few days the isolation and boredom will set in.  But for now we are content.  

It CERTAINLY helps that we have a giant support group between our family and friends.  We are seriously, so blessed.  My phone keeps dinging with check-in's and offers to help.  I hear Tommy on the phone with people asking what we need.  Sarah Lorek dropped off a a brand new board game on our front porch this morning.  As I am sitting here typing this, Molly Gus pulled in to drop off a bag on my front porch unannounced.  Mike Scott dropped 2 dinners and a loaf of banana bread off tonight that Shannon made for us.  Sweet Nola O'Linn dropped bracelets that she made for all of us and crosswords puzzles for the kids.  I've gotten texts from cousins, in-law's, friends, acquaintances....Without down-playing the severity of this virus on a global scale, the effect on our family from it is minimal.  That being said, it is humbling to experience the kindness people are showering on us.    

To keep boredom at bay, I am going to document how the next couple weeks go over here.....