What is Happening?

This morning, I’m in Pittsburgh.  I’m trying to keep up with what is going on and then again, I don’t really want to know!

So much has happened since The Gala.  First of all, I am forever grateful that The Gala was March 7…just days before the schools were shut down for three weeks (or more).  There are so many other Gala Directors who are heartbroken as their events have been cancelled.  These events provide big dollars for the schools.  I honestly don’t know what I would have done had The Gala been cancelled.  There are deposits, decoration items that cannot be returned, reservations that may or may not have to be refunded, cancellation fees, wasted food, the donated items and so much more.  Thinking about the possibility is overwhelming.  So, for now, I will be grateful and blessed that our Gala survived the Corona virus.

School was shut down but non-faculty staff was still reporting.  I was in Louisville for the weekend, and had taken Monday off for an event that ended up getting cancelled.  While I was there, I learned that the MND building would be closing and we were supposed to work from home. 

After checking in on my parents and knowing that my siblings were taking good care of them, I headed home.  I was listening to the news most of the way and I was slowly feeling anxious.  Bars and restaurants had shut down, all non-essential places (like Malls) were shutting down, and just by driving, I knew that life as we know it was going to be put on hold for a while.

During this time, Katie had been diagnosed with the flu.  Yes, we all had the flu shot before Gabriel was born, and hopefully that kept her from being worse, but she was a sick girl and she lives in Pittsburgh.  Anthony was working from home and Katie was quarantined to the third floor (CeCe’s Chateau!) to stay away and recover.  Anthony became the full-time caretaker for Katie and Gabriel, and still working from the dining room table.  I wanted to be there to help them…or at least help make sure Gabriel did not get sick.  They said NO since I am in that “age group” and they didn’t want me to get sick.  Just like any mom, I felt sad that I couldn’t help. 

Once I got home and unpacked the car, I settled in with laundry and tidying up.  I had the news on when the governor was giving the update and with his words, I started to realize that it was possible, we could move to a “shelter-in-place” at some time.  That’s when I started to realize, I lived alone and could be home alone for this time and I wasn’t ready to do it.

Any other time, being alone is sometimes sad, but most of the time, it is just fine.  It definitely has its perks.  However, this time, I realized that my family in Louisville had each other, and Katie had Anthony and Gabriel, but I really had no one…at least no family nearby.  I thought about getting in the car and heading back to Louisville, but the place where I wanted to be was with my family…my Katie.

As a mother-in-law, I try not to push myself into their family…Anthony has always been good to me, but I know that there is a limit, so I do try to acknowledge those limits.  I sent a text to both of them, asking them if I could come up to spend some time with them.  Without hesitation, I heard back from Anthony to come anytime! 

I finished laundry, started packing up disinfectant supplies, treats, paper towels and toilet paper!  My plan was to leave Tuesday morning.  That’s just what I did.

Today, I’m typing and posting from the couch in Pittsburgh.  I’ve been able to spend quality time with Gabriel, help Anthony with Gabriel’s bath time and will try to get some chores done today. Katie made an appearance and although she is still not well, she is over the roughest part and hopefully, while I’m here, I’ll see her completely recovered.  

I’m not sure how long I’ll stay or if I will get kicked out (lol!) but I want to help and I don’t want to be alone.

Here’s the deal…it’s times like this that the loneliness part of divorce settles in. I am certain I'd still be worried, but if Greg was working from home with me, I'd feel safe.  I always felt safe with him.  

This time, there is a little fear, I admit it.  This is something most of us have never experienced, but for some of us (like Katie & Anthony), this probably won’t be the last time there will be a nationwide crisis.  All I know is we can do anything when we are together.  

The fear will slowly move to the background rather than have a prominent place in the front. 

My sadness and worry comes from those who aren’t as fortunate as me.  There are many people who will wonder what they will do when it comes time to pay rent or feed their children.  There are people who truly won’t have toilet paper or peanut butter.  There are businesses that will be emptying their locations and selling everything when this is over.  So many people out of work temporarily and all of us with the uncertainty of how long this will last. 

Just like with 9/11, I have had a hard time not staying glued to the TV or radio.  I want to know what is new, what is next, what I need to prepare for.  My prayer is that everyone I know stays healthy…especially my Gabriel and Anthony and my family and friends. 

I know I have plenty to eat, I know I have my family near by and I know we will get through this. It won't be easy for some, but those of us who can, will help the others!  

Stay well my friends!   Sending elbow bumps to all of you!

Some jelly beans for stress eating!

Cleaning supplies...and Fresca for CeCe's beverage!!

Teething biscuits and Cheerios!