Side Effects

I am so sad for the individuals who have gotten this horrible novel virus, and devastated for those who have died because of it, and terrified for the rest of us. 

And I am also grateful, for the side effects. Side effects like brilliant and hilarious memes, Read Alouds by celebrities (Dolly Parton is reading a bedtime story every Thursday!), online concerts and performances by big time musicians, Live Home Safaris at zoos and aquariums. 

Side effects like time to do those projects we haven't gotten to (and I still haven't gotten to), quiet streets and less traffic, and so many good, happy, positive stories of people coming together (not within 6 feet of course) to help each other, cheer each other, calm each other, entertain each other, grieve with each other, celebrate with each other.

The best side effect I am experiencing is actual pure and wonderfully positive quality time with my son. When he gets home from school he is so tired. Saturdays he just wants to sleep in and chill. Sundays he has Hebrew School in the morning and then he is with a nurse at home for the afternoon. Saturdays is really our only day (other than those way too frequent half school days) to be together, and he usually is just not interested, unless it's a shopping trip to Target or the grocery store. This, though, has been really good for us. He sleeps in, he feels rested, and he is actually happy to see me when he opens his eyes. He smiles, he laughs, he plays. We are bonding. 

This thing we are living through right now, it's crazy, and no one would have ever believed it would happen, but it did. I am not stressing about homeschooling my kid. That's not worth it for either of us. That would just be forced activities ending with frustration and disappointment. What I am doing is just rolling with it, playing it all by ear. I say good morning when his eyes open, and I just see what the day brings. Harrison has always been very aware of my mental and emotional state, and he really does react to my frustrations; now I am finally seeing him react to my zen, my calm, my contentment, and it's positive, and happy, and good. I'm very grateful for these side effects.