Everyone is experiencing the storm of COVID-19 in their own way. In the space of a few days, and sometimes even a few hours, everything can turn upside down. Single parent, single and with sole full-time custody, I am told this week that I am temporarily losing my job. Alone in the world?
Since the announcement that schools and daycare centers must close, we've all been in adaptation mode. We adapt to taking care of our cocos at home full time. I make sure to maintain a routine, I limit screen time and, above all, we stay calm. Do not panic! I settle in to work from home and stock up on food. We are ready!
The calls for work are increasing, patience is starting to wear off, and son issues are surfacing. However, we are lucky: I still have a job and a stable income. Then, as for many, the news of March 23 turns everything upside down. I get the expected call. We put everything on hold and line up for employment insurance.
An income. I only have one and it no longer exists.
A child. I only have one and itclimb the curtains.
Patience. I didn't have many before and I don't anymore.
Anxiety. I already had some, now I have difficulty breathing. An entourage. I had one. I discover an even more incredible one.
All I have to do with my days is take care of my child. It's quite simple, and yet… The games, puzzles, walks, crafts… there's nothing that occupies him enough. He doesn't understand why he can't see his friends, his family or just go somewhere other than home. And then, the adult here presents dark quite easily. She adapts pretty well in general, but how do you adapt to that?
There are people who have resurfaced in my life lately, just because we take more time. We may be in quarantine, we communicate more than ever. As our doors close, we take the time to talk to each other, to make sure the people we love don't miss anything and we take the time to appreciate each other. We think of the people we love, then we take the time to send them a little dose of love. Every day, I receive a message or a call that makes me cry with joy. Literally. Alone in the world? Never!
In this moment of solitude, take the time to write or talk to the people you love. Whether it's to remind them of your support, lend them a little money (if you can afford it) or even bring them a bottle of wine (or toilet paper) at the door of their home. Small gestures matter more than ever. Let's giveus a virtual hug. It's going to be fine!
P.-S. I am writing to you today thanks to a wave of love from Motherforlife. An ex-employer who took the time to hear from me and reach out to me. This ex-employer who was also my family for several years, and the place where I gave birth to Maman Bambi. Thanks MPLV!
