Over the last couple of years, blogging became less of a priority. I’ve been spending a lot of time on my computer for work; the last thing I wanted to do was get home and write some more. However, that didn’t mean I was neglecting my blog. Instead, it became Bambino’s storybook. He loves hearing about his exploits– especially about our botched trip to the Borromean Islands.

I started to think that I needed to add some new content for him. I thought I’d announce the blog’s comeback with stories of Bambino exploring London. However, COVID-19 had different plans.

We are in the middle of a historic moment that deserves documentation. Not just the grim statistics, but the personal stories. I want (maybe need) to preserve the little joys, the complete frustration, and the lessons my family learns during this time.

These stories may not always be as fun as my usual posts, but I feel compelled to tell them.

Lessons From (Almost) a Month at Home

Lesson 1: I’m Afraid

We’ve taken social distancing seriously. In the past month, I’ve visited the store a whopping two times. We haven’t eaten out, visited friends, or gone to a playground. We did take a hike on a particularly sunny day, but it took us a half-hour to find a park that wasn’t filled with people.

I’m an introvert by nature, but the discomfort I’m starting to feel around other people is surprising. Picking up groceries curbside from my local store made me anxious. I’m relieved by the CDC’s suggestion that we all wear masks.

I like to feel in control, and the novel coronavirus has taken that from me. Wearing a mask and staying away from even my dearest loved ones helps me regain a little bit of control. I would be destroyed if I was the one to put them at risk.

Lesson 2: My Husband Is the Best

I knew that il Marito was pretty amazing, but working from home and homeschooling an elementary student has reminded me how compassionate, smart, and patient he is. He makes sandwiches and plays basketball with Bambino so I can sneak in an unexpected Zoom meeting. He delivers lessons about architecture and computer coding and even plans perfect movie nights filled with popcorn, fuzzy blankets, and Bambino giggles. He’s my rock.

We have not spent this much uninterrupted time together since college. That makes a little sad. But I can’t imagine spending my quarantine with anyone else.

Lesson 3: Bambino Is Insanely Resilient

We haven’t sugarcoated the pandemic at our house. Because il Marito’s work takes him to China frequently, he has friends and colleagues there. We watched the coronavirus screech life to halt there first and talked about it a lot. Bambino understands that this disease is powerful, scary, and is hurting millions of people.

While he’s asked to visit his neighborhood bestie, it’s more wishful than anything. He did get really angry when they canceled the remainder of the school year and his much-anticipated school musical. But overall, he’s doing better than I could have hoped.

He’s connecting with his friends electronically on a daily basis. His teachers are amazing and are giving him structure and support via video conferencing. There’s been lots of reading, creativity, and math work.

Lesson 4: I Miss My People

I’m so glad we planned a spontaneous Sunday dinner with friends the day before the quarantine kicked in.  We grilled up a whole chicken, drank some lovely bottles of wine, and toasted each other, not knowing that we wouldn’t get another chance for a very long time.

Even though I crave peace and quiet, I never realized how much I need contact with my people. I don’t miss random happy talk with strangers, but I miss my tribe fiercely. I’m so grateful for the video chats and random text messages. I need them more than I’ll ever admit.

I also can’t wait to hug all of you for an uncomfortably long time, post-quarantine.

We’ll Get Through This

History suggests that while this won’t be an easy time, we will get through this. There will be heartbreak and dark moments, but we will persevere. My goal is to keep my precious little family safe, well-fed, and loved at every step. My hope is that Bambino will look back and have more happy memories of the lockdown than sad ones.

Stay safe, friends. And as much as it pains this wandering soul to say it, stay home.