Six weeks ago, life changed. It disrupted our normal way of life. It felt like it happened overnight. It adjusted our routines. It overwhelmed our emotions. It scared some of us, angered others or maybe a little of both at the same time. It canceled life's small and big moments. It canceled national and local sporting events and seasons. It brought life's uncertainties to the forefront of our minds and challenged us to adapt. It caused some to hoard toilet paper, disinfecting products and even food which caused frustrations for others. It allowed many to show acts of kindness and generosity. It regulated the way that we interact with humanity. We have had to social distance ourselves from those we enjoy and love. We have had to celebrate holidays and birthdays virtually on Zoom or FaceTime or with drive-by car parades. We have had to learn how to juggle work, home life and school with our family members together under one roof. It has mentally pushed us to find the good in the monotony. We have found new ways to entertain ourselves through cleaning, puzzle assembling, baking, hiking and more. We have learned to appreciate and enjoy the simple things a little more now. We have had joyful moments and even a few laughs. We have learned how to connect with others in new and inventive ways. We have gone stir-crazy and had moments of disappointments or frustrations or depression. It has spurred a national debate between which is greater -- livelihood versus human life. There have been losses. For some, those losses have been financial, for others it was their hopes and dreams, but ultimately, we have all shared in a sense of loss in one way or another.
For our family (like many others out there), this change has been hard. Some days are not quite as challenging. Some days are actually really easy and we find the blessing in this whole mess. But that isn't the norm, although I wish it was. We are all trying to adapt and change. We are trying to normalize and persevere. We are all processing this in our own way and at different times. And sometimes, when a family member asks, "How are you feeling?" The answer is, "I don't know." And we just have to accept that for right now. None of knows how to feel about this whole situation. And the worst part, as a parent, I cannot even try to give them guidance on how to handle this. We are in uncharted territory. Hell, I am not even handling this any better than they are! But we give each other lots of hugs and try not to yell as much. We have family discussions about emotions and feelings. We make each other laugh and use technology or our other vices a little bit more than we should. Moreover, we try to give each other some space to acclimate as best we can.
Now what? After six weeks of muddling through this pandemic, all we can do is wait and wonder. That is hard. So many questions arise. When will life be able to return back to normal? Or will we have to continue with some level of social distancing in some manner moving forward? Will we ever be able to return back to our classrooms and offices? How do we re-open our states and economies safely and effectively? Will masks become a standard fashion accessory? Will my kids be able to go to summer camp? Will hugging and touches of kindness between friends and family be a thing of the past? I really hope not. That may be one of the things I miss the most.
But, as of today, none of these questions can be answered, so we will continue to wait and see how this story unfolds. One day at a time. Living the best quarantined life that we can.
Below is the Arizona COVID-19 timeline showing how we have gotten to where we are today. I felt it important to document it for posterity sake. What a crazy six weeks we have experienced thus far...
MARCH 11, 2020
For our family (like many others out there), this change has been hard. Some days are not quite as challenging. Some days are actually really easy and we find the blessing in this whole mess. But that isn't the norm, although I wish it was. We are all trying to adapt and change. We are trying to normalize and persevere. We are all processing this in our own way and at different times. And sometimes, when a family member asks, "How are you feeling?" The answer is, "I don't know." And we just have to accept that for right now. None of knows how to feel about this whole situation. And the worst part, as a parent, I cannot even try to give them guidance on how to handle this. We are in uncharted territory. Hell, I am not even handling this any better than they are! But we give each other lots of hugs and try not to yell as much. We have family discussions about emotions and feelings. We make each other laugh and use technology or our other vices a little bit more than we should. Moreover, we try to give each other some space to acclimate as best we can.
Now what? After six weeks of muddling through this pandemic, all we can do is wait and wonder. That is hard. So many questions arise. When will life be able to return back to normal? Or will we have to continue with some level of social distancing in some manner moving forward? Will we ever be able to return back to our classrooms and offices? How do we re-open our states and economies safely and effectively? Will masks become a standard fashion accessory? Will my kids be able to go to summer camp? Will hugging and touches of kindness between friends and family be a thing of the past? I really hope not. That may be one of the things I miss the most.
But, as of today, none of these questions can be answered, so we will continue to wait and see how this story unfolds. One day at a time. Living the best quarantined life that we can.
Below is the Arizona COVID-19 timeline showing how we have gotten to where we are today. I felt it important to document it for posterity sake. What a crazy six weeks we have experienced thus far...
MARCH 11, 2020
ARIZONA
DECLARES A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
With the number
of COVID-19 cases statewide growing daily, the governor declared a public
health emergency.
MARCH 12, 2020
FUTURE
WORK and life EVENTS begin to be CANCELLED
MARCH 13, 2020
SPRING
BREAK BEGINS FOR THE KIDS
MARCH 15, 2020
ARIZONA
ANNOUNCES FIRST STATEWIDE SCHOOL CLOSURE
Gov. Doug Ducey and
Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced a statewide
closure of schools through the end of March to combat the spread of the virus.
MARCH 16, 2020
ARIZONA
RECOMMENDS CANCELING GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE
MARCH 17, 2020
MY FIRST
OFFICIAL CORONAVIRUS FREAKOUT!
MARCH 19, 2020
Arizona officials announced all
restaurants in counties with COVID-19 cases would have to close dining rooms
and offer only takeout, delivery or curbside. The governor also closed bars and
gyms.
MARCH 20, 2020
ARIZONA
EXTENDS SCHOOL CLOSURES THROUGH APRIL 10
MARCH 27, 2020
CARES ACT
SIGNED INTO LAW
President Trump signs the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law, the
largest single spending bill in the history of the United States. Among other actions, the law provides nearly
$2 trillion in tax relief, spending, grants, and capital to offset the economic
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MARCH 29, 2020
President Trump announces an
extension of the Stay at Home guidelines to April 30, 2020
MARCH 30, 2020
ARIZONA
EXTENDS SCHOOL CLOSURES THROUGH THE END OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR
Gov. Doug Ducey and
Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced all Arizona schools will not reopen this
academic year. Districts and charter schools, in addition to colleges and
universities, have moved to online platforms.
MARCH 30, 2020
GOVERNOR
ISSUES AN EXECUTIVE ORDER DIRECTING ARIZONANS TO "STAY HOME, STAY HEALTHY,
STAY CONNECTED"
Arizonans are encouraged to only leave their homes
for essential services or if they are working at an essential business. This order would align with President Trump’s
national Stay at Home guidelines extend until April 30, 2020.
APRIL 8, 2020
maricopa county says social distancing efforts appear to be working
Data from
the Maricopa County Department of Public Health is showing that the number of
COVID-19 hospitalizations is growing at a slower rate since the end of March
than in the weeks prior. County health officials say the slowdown is likely due
to the protective measures—like social distancing—the community is taking to
slow the spread of the virus.
Comments