Dear 2020,
You have been quite a year! It has been an emotional roller coaster for sure. I remember where I was when the news hit. For he first few months we had been hearing about the cruiship near China. The people wre quanteine for weeks. I watched it everyday on the news when I was at the gym. But it still didn't seem like it would affect us. Then schools started shutting down. I remember picking Jack up from Walt Disney Magnet School and the security guard saying he thought schools would close the next day. I didn;t think it was possible. The union went on strike in the fall. The kids already misssed a lot of October. I never thought CPS would close. The next day, it wasa Friday, I stipped at the grocery store. On my way I was listening to a press conference with Govenor Pritzker. He announed schools would clase. I just couldn't beliueve it. It seems surreal. Then the stores went crazy. They were running out of supplies. I was also oa person who over bought food and booze not knowing when we would be able to get to a store.
The "stay-at -home" order started out as a novelity. I would have a virtual happy hour with people I haven't seen in years. I talked to my college friends, my California friends. And of course Maggie and I talked almost everynight. That was when we were told it would be 2 weeks,. Then, when it was announced that it would be longer, the panic set in.
Fortunately, I was able to be home with the kids. The end of the school year was "easy" for the kids so it was not stressful. We felt blessed to be in the coach house. We had plenty of room and an outdoor space. Jack and I would take long walks to the river. We lived iin Roscoe Village, which has a lot ot walk to. At first, we were still able to enjoy the playgrounds. Once those were closed we would bike in the alleys. The alleys had less people in them. We had a route. Luckily Tuesdays' Child opened up for camps and fall classes. It was a blessing that Charlie was still able to get his services and socialize. I was able to clean and organize. Which was helpful because we knew we were going to move.
It was scary when John's dad started chemo. What a time to have to go to a hospital wtih a weakened immune system! Fortunately he got through it and all was fine! A miracle!
The summer was wonderful. We all had time together and we enjoyed the outdoors. Although the pools and camps were closed, we made the best of it. I wasn't too busy with work, so I felt like I got a summer break. I was outside more. And I started to work out a lot. I lost 10 lbs so far during the pandemic. Most people have gained weight, but I finally had time to workout.
Unfortunately, we did not get to celebrate any holidays after Christmas. We went to my parents and stood in ther driveway for their anniversay. We did get together for Genevieve's communion. We did see my dad for his 75th. John and I missed out on celebrating our 15th anniversary. We hope to make it up, but it was sad.
It becaming even more frustrating when people started shaming, blaming and judging other people. Some people are pro -masks and some are not. Some people think it is a conspiracy that would go away after the election. There were also riots and protest around police brutailty, equity, Black Lives Matter, right and left wing activist organizations...all at war with each other. Stores were looted.
Then of course there was the election drama. The pandemic then became policial.
Now here we are 10 months later. CPS will start offering in person learning in a hybrid schedule in February. I opted in for both kids, but now it is a waiting game to see how it will work. Many teacher are applying for a leave or accomodation. The union has been an issue as well. CPS wants to go back but the teachers do not. We are one of if not the only district that has not been in school.
Memories:
Waking up to oth boys jumpping into bed with me. Especially in teh coahc house. Charlie and I would play "Bider-man and Doc Oct". Which bascially me trying to pin him down (which really was me getting an awesome
