Isn't this Brutiful?

 I've been writing off and on about COVID, mostly as a time capsule on what this time has been like. A dear friend recently described life with a newborn as Brutiful; both beautiful and brutal at the same time. I think the word perfectly describes the quarantine, COVID time too. 

Brutal

It's been brutal seeing others go on with life like usual, play like there's not a care in the world, downplay the virus, think they are immune to this deadly virus. It's been brutal knowing that there are children suffering greatly when they can't escape their homes, brutal for teens that desperately need socialization, brutal for seniors, already facing isolation. It's been brutal for parents being ON 24-7, needing to be their child's everything for months on end. It's been brutal trying to help some children keep up on the virtual platforms. It's been brutal for those of us that genuinely love being with others, and feel energized just in a room with others. It's been brutal seeing the hate of the world bubble to the surface in the form of bigotry over the summer and more recently, a violent raid. It's been brutal seeing how differently we can view the same challenges. 

Beautiful

It's been beautiful solidifying friendships. I feel closer than ever to friends I've had for more than 20 years. I've become closer to other friends when we're processing this world in the same way and are supporting each other through these many challenges. It's been beautiful having this time with my children and husband. While I definitely need breaks, I know it's a gift of time I would not otherwise have.  Ted has not been to an office since March 12, 2020. Hudson had six days at school, the kids spend a few hours here and there with relatives but for the most part, they are with us. We've gotten to know each other on a much deeper level and life is about the simplest of joys; movie nights, home made pizza, walks, game nights, working together on chores and eating ice cream together.  It's like we're living in isolation but still in the suburbs. We've starting seeing friends and family for masked visits and it has been so precious. A true lesson in how much it means to be together. 

I've been blogging during Tuesday and Thursday nights when the kids are at karate, now there's a month break, so I need to make time. The rest of the family is watching a movie and the kids begged me to stay. We have very open conversations now, "Mom and Dad want alone time sometimes too, just like you like to be in your room alone at times." While this time has been brutal, I think the kids will look back and think of it as beautiful. So much time with mom and dad, and the sibling they adore, leisurely days and so many meals together. Like with other seasons in life, I try to remember it won't be like this forever. <3