March 12, 2021
I live in the SF Bay Area, and a year from tomorrow -- was when we started our lockdown.
A lot has happened in this past year.
and a lot hasn't.
I'm not sure where you live, or how this past year has transpired with you or with your family ----
but I definitely urge you to take some time to Slow Down and reflect.
Reflect on all that has changed, all that is different, and mourn for all that will never be the same.
There has most definitely been some good that has come from this year for the O'Dea family ---
we have all been home, the 5 of us, for a year.
my oldest wouldn't have been home otherwise -- she needed to leave her college campus when the dorms got shuttered up.
I didn't think I'd get to "have her" for as long as I now have -- and that is such a gift.
We got Sheldon the Basset Hound -- and I didn't think we'd get a dog --
mostly because I don't like messes.
and holy all things bananas, that dog is messy. but also an amazing joy who has forced me to walk 4-5 miles a day and remember that LIFE isn't in the phone or on the computer -- it's Right Here and Right Now.
I haven't hugged anyone outside of these 5 beings for a year -- not my parents, not my brother, not any extended family -- even when we needed to go to a funeral.
Socially distant funerals are so insanely bizarre and uncomfortable.
The last restaurant we ate in was a Taco Bell last March 4th. Adam and I locked eyes while sitting amongst the crowd and silently told each other, "okay, this is it. we are done."
We've cooked more than we ever have --- and made food we thought we couldn't make at home -- sushi, lobster roll sandwiches, egg rolls. and potstickers ---
we figured it out. together.
I have watched a lot of TV and went down a Tiger King spiral there for a little while....
we have played a lot of games. and done a lot of puzzles.
I did a lot of yoga.
I chat on the phone to my friend Jennifer at 7:30am each morning as we drive to work -- we both work in different school districts and a lot of time was spent comparing & contrasting all that was happening behind the scenes to keep learning going and parents and kids happy.
there were a lot of tears.
ALSO: please reach out to any and all teachers in your life. This has been not a good time. They need your support --- the struggle is most definitely real.
We are in a time of lent and a time of reflection.
in between planning for the lockdown to be over, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Passover, Spring Break and summer vacationing ---
We are living a historical time. There is a lot to be digested and reflected upon.
Here is the worksheet.
lots and lots of love to you and yours.
consider yourself hugged.
xxoxoxo steph