We moved to San Diego five years ago in order to live closer to my parents here and my husband's parents in Los Angeles. Since moving, we see my parents every few days, usually, and eat together and spend extended time together at least once every week or two. Not anymore. For the first few weeks, we didn't see each other except on Zoom or FaceTime, just like our extended family on the East Coast and around the country. It was weird to go to the grocery store and wonder if I would see my parents, even though I was trying to convince them not to shop and that I felt concerned about being a carrier, given that I typically interact with hundreds of students a day.
Two weeks in, we met with my parents at a park near their house. Their dog had just died unexpectedly, and they were so sad, so it felt extra-important to gather up, though so awkward to stay 6+ feet away from each other. It was still really good to see them. Now, when I go grocery shopping, I call them to see if they need anything. It is partly because I want them to stay away from crowded public spaces, but it is also because then I can drop off what I have for them, and visit a bit in their driveway or front yard. This past weekend, I took our sons with me, all of us in masks, and we dropped off groceries and some potted tulips for my parents. They had backed their cars out of the driveway, and we took out the beach chairs and ping-pong table they have in their open garage, and sat at a distance and played ping pong, and it felt almost-normal. It was so great to laugh and hang out a bit together, and to still be outside and spaced apart while doing so.
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AuthorI am a high school Humanities teacher, working to connect with and learn with my students in this wild, unprecedented time. They are blogging, so I am, too! ArchivesCategories |