So there’s this Coronavirus Pandemic that’s effecting our whole country right now.  It reminds me of the H1N1 virus 10 years ago.  National Health issue.  Threat to anyone with a compromised or weak immune system.  Scary stuff for those people! 

I totally agree with the idea that we need to limit public exposure- I understand why we’re avoiding large gatherings and spaces where a good amount of people are in close proximity.  Things such as March Madness, colleges finishing out the year online/secluded, general gatherings, concerts, events, all those things.  Makes sense. 

Then there’s families like mine.  I’d be willing to argue families like mine make up a very large percent of our society, right now.  Parents and/or adults between the ages of 21-55.  Children between the ages of 12 months-21.  Middle class families.  Families who work, at least one parent, who are exposed to the general population, and kids who attend public school.  Most week days, day in and day out, each and every day of our lives. 

Department of Health says it shouldn’t be a threat to us.  That generally healthy people will survive it no problem.  But, it’s our duty to protect anyone else from contracting the virus, by staying as isolated and separated as we can be.  This make sense, too.

I’m not panicking, yet.  We heard from the superintendent of my kids’ school district today, and also the one that I work in, that school will not be cancelled as of right now.  We will go about daily business as usual.  I’m happy for that- only because I’m a private clinician who contracts with a school, and, basically, if I don’t work I don’t get paid. So great!  I can work, the kids can go to school! 

But then, there’s this: I would’ve, and still will, absolutely welcome a week or 2 off at home with my husband and children.  

And I just think, weather you’re religious, spiritual, or anything at all, maybe this is God’s way of saying, “The U.S. needs some family time, without interruption.” 

Because let’s ne honest here- there’s little to no opportunity for that, in our country.  At least in the middle class.  Usually, one or both parents work, kids go to school, we don’t have many opportunities to spend time together for days on end, without other life responsibilities.   Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe it would be a positive thing for my family. 

I think of it, daily now.  We’d make meals together.  We’d spend time doing stuff together, like playing board games or cards, watching movies, and playing outside.  We’d work together to complete household chores like dishes and laundry.  We’d collect and boil sap into syrup, we’d gather our chicken eggs, and have bonfires in the backyard, and sit out on the porch if it’s nice enough!  We’d find ways to have fun as a family, and, make the best of our time together.  And maybe, it would be the BEST time.  Maybe it’s something that my family needs in order to realize what’s most important, in order to grow, and become closer. 

Maybe sometimes our outside obligations get in the way of what’s the most important.  Maybe family time is more valuable then we realize.  Maybe we’d really stress about not having the income and finances after missing a couple weeks of work, and, maybe, it’d be WORTH it! 

My family is a hard-working, middle class family.  My husband and I spend most weekdays working.  My kids spend most weekdays at school.  Honestly, COVID-19- what an awful pandemic.  But at the same time, my family welcomes the seclusion!  God gave us this for a reason!