To say 2020 has gifted us with many surprises would be a sheer understatement! While I feel the word “unprecedented” is overused, it does seem to capture things for our generation.
I grew up in Peru, far differently than most in the US. The first ten years of my life in a military dictatorship and the second ten during a period of rampant terrorism. I lived those years with the perspective of a child. No doubt, far different from my parents’ perspective as they ensured our safety and provided for our family.
It is from that experience that I realize my children’s perspective and memories of this time in our history will be from a different angle than mine. Listening to what they find valuable, what they miss, and what they enjoy gives me a glimpse of their viewpoint. Interestingly their perspectives differ quite significantly too. One would like to do eLearning again this year and has no qualms about not being in school. In contrast, we have one thinks that not being around friends for even longer would be agonizingly painful.
Admittedly, I look forward to when we look back on this time and reflect. Until that moment, we take each day one at a time. The path thus far has been a windy road with ups and downs. Times with energy and focus, times of weariness, angst, and a sense of discouragement. As time passes, in some ways, things become more confusing.
Our family has opted to take a more cautious approach to re-opening. The last time an infection attacked Peter’s lungs, he spent three months in the hospital (mostly) on a ventilator. During which we were instructed to start end of life plans. I’ve shared his miracle story so many times. I am still in awe of the gift of Peter’s life, but I also feel responsible for protecting this gift to the best of my human abilities.
Our family concerns with COVID-19 is a lengthy post within itself. Today I want to just do what I did when I started blogging 13 years ago. I am getting back to basics and sharing an update on our family!
Alexandra was engaged earlier this year to a wonderful young man that we have grown to appreciate and cherish deeply in their time of courtship. He has become an older brother to our younger boys who look up to him and respect his integrity and values. Alexandra continues working multiple jobs while getting through college. A windy road brought out her deep passion for children. It led her to pursue dual certification in General Education and Special Education. I can’t wait to see her in action, as I am sure she will be a beloved teacher who positively shapes the next generation.
Michael is enjoying life in and out of college. He is close to wrapping up his studies towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following the footsteps of many family members, I have no doubt his career will be challenging and rewarding. Moving to eLearning is challenging, especially with classes that require labs, so we are all anxious to see what the next semester will be like. Michael has been in a relationship for a year and a half. Seeing him grow into a loving and compassionate young man makes my heart soar.
Jack will be entering his last year of High School and is looking to the future beyond. Since he was in early Elementary School, he has talked about being a video game designer/developer. That passion continues. He is currently pursuing entrance to a small Catholic university in California that offers the program of his dreams. Before the shutdown, he was heavily involved in Youth Ministry and Trail Life. In the meantime, he is taking this time to indulge in his programming and 3-D printer designs. Keep your eyes open though, we are hoping soon he will open an Etsy shop to sell his D&D handpainted miniatures. He is so talented!
Tommy wrapped up his first year of High School with flying colors. Like Jack, he has been involved in Youth Ministry and Trail Life. He also joined Jack in a local Caddie & Leadership program. Tommy’s dedication to good health and exercise is inspiring! His dream is to attend the Air Force Academy. That goal keeps him focused and motivated each day. I remember when he was about 3 years old, and assertively stated he was going to President of the US one day. I still believe he is the one with the drive and passion and strength to be a fantastic president one day!
As unbelievable as this sounds, Peter wrapped up his first year of Middle School. We had some bumps along the way, but Team Peter Bear rose to the challenge, ensuring he had the best experience possible. In the Fall, Peter attended an out of town camping trip with his peers and loved it! He made new friends, and it set the tone for his social participation in school. While academics continue to be a challenge with which Peter has little interest, he amazes with his ability to fully participate and persevere and do it all with joy. Peter misses being in the school gym and his friends. He especially misses his friend Michael who has stopped in to visit and chatted via FaceTime a few times. During these months at home Peter developed a passion for robots, became a teenager, fallen in love with Hamilton, and broke his arm trying to do a downward dog pose on the slide. The adventure goes on!
Gretchen struggled the most with eLearning. In addition to missing her friends, the approach to wrapping up the school year had the least teacher involvement. Getting a package on Monday that she needed self-instruct and then turn in on Friday just did not work well. She really needs and misses teacher-led instruction. In a moment of weakness, I allowed her to get a Kids Messenger account, and she is now a tween that loves to send out stickers to anyone and everyone that will friend her. I think she gave up on me when she realized I never check my FB Messenger.
John and I are both telecommuting, which has been both a challenge and a blessing. Like most folks, miss our “old normal.” We also realize there is so much we took for granted. The apprehension of the days, weeks, and months ahead are daunting. I look forward to one day gratefully being on the other side of this period. Sitting around the table and hearing the different memories, viewpoints, and lessons learned. Deepening my understanding of what encouraged my children through this period, and how it shaped their future. Until then, we continue to pray for peace and health for all.
Yet while creating this “new normal,” we also recognize that we are the lucky ones. We have a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, and food on our table. We are healthy, and we are together. Over the last several months at home we have survived school and eased into family fun – we have made s’mores by the fire pit, played games, watched movies outside, gone on walks, painted rooms, moved furniture, read books, celebrated birthdays, engagements and anniversaries, enjoyed family visits, watched a rocket launch, and enjoyed a spring time that seemed to bless us with rainbows almost every day. A little reminder to count our rainbows and not our thunderstorms.
xoxo
Catherine