CORONAVIRUS AND THE UNKNOWN

LIVINGFAMILYWORK

Jul 14

Do you know someone personally that tested positive for the coronavirus? I do.

Let’s talk about the virus, we still don’t know much about it. The symptoms and reactions to this virus is different for everyone. In early March, I was one of those people at the beginning of it all that thought it was similar to the flu. Until, my friend Martina pulled me to the side (virtually of course but you get it) and said, Ayee, Sis...this shit is real. I’ve been doing research. I could hear in her voice the certainty of her findings and concern that I need to inform myself. It sparked me to do my research.

DO YOUR RESEARCH, HONEY

After doing my research, I declared that this shit was airborne. I was faced with skepticism by others on Facebook. I remember watching a video of a Doctor talk about the virus and that it wasn’t airborne and all we needed to do was to wash our hands. He was recording this video while wearing a mask. It was odd to me, so I pointed it out. Regardless of that, we have learned that we didn’t know much about the virus in the beginning and that we still don’t know much about it now. We have theories, we have methods to help keep us safe but nothing guaranteed.

Shortly after doing my research and discussing it all with Reg, we decided to watch Contagion. Now...before you say, Starla that’s just a movie, there were some similarities to what the world experienced in the movie. I’m just going to leave that, at that.

I believe later that week school closed and then everything was on a slight shut down and a “safer at home” campaign began to keep everyone safe.

HAVE WE REACHED OUR GOAL

The goal was to flatten the curve. Is the curve flat yet? The goal was to not overrun the health industry and place them in dangerous situations where their health was in jeopardy and life decisions would then be made to save others. Here we are slightly 4 months later and not much has changed. Of course, things wouldn’t be better in 4 months. From my research, the Coronavirus will be here well into 2021.

I know three people personally that was diagnosis with COVID. They survived but there are long-lasting side effects from the virus that the medical industry is still discovering.

BACK TO SCHOOL

I’m not comfortable sending my children to school. We had a family meeting last night, Reg, the kids and I to discuss how they felt about school reopening and to make the decision as a family. We also wanted to hear their concerns and answer any questions they may have. The youngest said she was not comfortable and wanted to stay home. The oldest was 40% comfortable with going back to school because he misses his friends. We thought of some solutions to help with the missing of friends aspect, maybe some ZOOM calls with friends. We stressed to them our expectations for being at home and having virtual school. They did great last year with virtual learning. Summer school was virtual as well but by the end of it….they were over it! We made a deal that we will focus on school and then after school and work we will have fun.

Our school gave us the option of virtual learning or traditional school setting. The school district that I grew up in recently announced that all schools will have virtual learning and that all athletics will be suspended this coming school year. The former athletic director there passed away due to COVID symptoms earlier this year. My husband’s father had the same experience. I understand the tough decisions we are making in the safety of the children, teachers, and staff. Will this place a hardship on everyone? Yes.

ARE WE IN THIS TOGETHER?

Due to the reopenings. Summer shining on in. Many having cabin fever. The great debate to wear a mask or not. Political blame. Oh...and capitalism. Where does that leave us? Do we still care about the health industry not being overrun and placed in jeopardy? Or is that so...4 months ago?

Sadly, there is no perfect way to combat all of this. Food banks have seen a rise. Many workers are furloughed. Many parents aren’t afforded the luxuries of working from home. There is no right answer here and as we prepare to navigate the unknown even further, I wanted you to know I’m praying for us all as we walk through this together.