What's Normal?

March 16, 2020 ~ I find myself asking this question a lot... What's normal? Who defines normal? Is my normal the same as your normal? It's a question that varies from person to person and I don't know that there is a good answer for "What's Normal".  Perhaps normal is how we saw things growing up. Such as families sitting down at the table for a meal together and how that seems so few and far between now. Is it because both parents are working outside of the home and kids are so involved in various sports that you just don't have time to set down together let alone cook? Every family has a different answer and there isn't a wrong answer. We all have a different kind of normal and it's ok!

Unless you are living under a rock then everyone is talking about COVID-19 or as most of us know it, the Corona Virus. It's something that is everywhere we turn, its name is looking back at us. Social media, e-mails, store windows, television, radios and even friends and family texting or calling about it. It's literally everywhere. 

I'm going to be completely honest with you,  I am scared. I'm not scared of getting this virus or scared of dying but rather scared because of the unknown. I have said that I have had the opportunity to do a lot of awesome things in life and try to live my life to the fullest so that when my time comes to go meet the big man upstairs I am ok. (Now don't mistake me, I've got a lot of living left to do and don't want to go anywhere anytime soon) 

For me, it's not knowing what the future holds. Tomorrow, next week, next month or even the next 6 months. While I do think the news hasn't helped the situation my hope is that people will take this seriously. It may not "affect you", as so many keep saying, but in fact, it does. What if your lack of listening to the simple things costs someone you love their life? We have to keep the common sense, well, common! Washing our hands should be a several times a day routine. Like going to the bathroom and before leaving making sure to wash your hands. When you feel the need to cough, cover your mouth and the same goes with sneezing. Most importantly, if you are sick, running a fever or simply don't feel good then stay home! Work is important, yes, but it's not more important than your life or the life of your co-workers. 

For me and my family, I am trying to make sure that I have the basics, food in our freezer and canned items in the pantry. You guys, this is nothing different than our normal everyday life. I was low on meats in the freezer so I did go to the store to purchase that just so if we were stuck at home we would have options. I eat at home almost every single day for lunch and very seldom do we eat out at night. Weekends with friends are a treat but we are ok eating at home too. 

Anyone that really knows me would already know I am somewhat of a hoarder on laundry soap, laundry softener, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, lotion and over the counter medicines. This is something I have always had a good supply of each on hand for nearly 15 years because I personally didn't want to go to the stores each month. I know, I hear you and saying "I can't afford to do that".  I totally get it and it wasn't something I ran out and spent hundreds of dollars "stocking up" but rather each time I would go I would buy an extra item and slowly built up my stash. I always look for sales, coupons and special buys... I hate paying full price for anything if I can find a sale. 

Today, Columbia Public Schools announced that our schools will be closed from March 18 - April 13, 2020. I understand why they are doing this but my heart goes out to the kiddos who really depends on school to be their safe place in this crazy world, their guaranteed meal when maybe there isn't a lot at home to eat and their friends who help them forget about things going on that make them sad or hurt. I want to help those kiddos and I don't know exactly how. Spring Break would have been 1 week out of school but now they will be away from this safe place for nearly a month. 

Senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems are another huge concern for me. Knowing they may or may not have the resources to allow them to get to the doctor, store or pharmacy safely. They may not have the money to afford the basic necessities in life and that breaks my heart. This literally could be life or death for them. 

You guys, I don't have answers. I am trying to figure out how to navigate all of this and where I can help. Right now, there are lots of people stepping up but in the coming days, weeks and months they will need help. I am trying to come up with a game plan while trying to help my own family. My mom has cancer and doesn't need to be around any of this. My sister and brother-in-law both work (they are small business owners as well as my sister working in the health care field) and have 2 kids. Jaxon will be out of school on March 18th and I would imagine it won't be long for Asher's daycare to close. They will do what they can to balance work and taking care of the boys over the next month. (She said that it's silly to send Asher to daycare if Jaxon is home so in an effort to keep them somewhat confined she will keep him home) They want to keep them away from both of their parents, the kid's grandparents, because they are all not in the best health. I know many of you are already figuring out the same thing while worrying about how long it will be until your workplace is closed. Now, imagine a single parent with little or no help. Gosh, my heart goes out to them too. 

For now, I know you can donate to several places within your local community. So many people are jumping up to help figure this out for those that need help and I couldn't be more proud of them. I have seen more human kindness in the couple days and that makes my heart happy.  My hope when this is all behind us is that you will see a different kind of world. A world filled with kindness, love and genuine respect for one another with everyone willing to help one another... the way it was when I was growing up.  

You guys, we are going to be ok. We are going to get through this and be stronger because of what we are about to go through. We have to remain positive in this situation. I think the only thing we can do at this point is to live day by day and give it the best we can. Reassure your kids it's going to be ok and help those in need where you can. Maybe it's sharing extra items you have, offering to take them to a doctor's appointment, picking up groceries or simply a phone call to check on them. Just remember to take care of yourself because if you don't you can't help others.  

A very special thank you to our military for protecting our country and our freedoms. I know it's not easy for you to be away from your loved ones and in areas where danger is around the corner. You are loved and appreciated!

A very special thank you to our doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, and staff that are doing everything they can to take care of those that need help. You are putting yourself at risk every single day to make sure your patients are taken care of. You are loved and appreciated!

A very special thank you to the store employees who are working hard to keep the shelves stocked, the truck drivers that are working hard to get supplies from across the country to various locations. You are also putting yourselves at risk every single day (driving state to state) and dealing with everyone daily. You are loved and appreciated!

A very special thank you to the janitors and cleaning crews that are working really hard to sanitize schools, buildings, malls, facilities and any other public space that we use. Your work doesn't go un-noticed. You are loved and appreciated!

Teachers and educators... while you have no idea what will happen from this point forward but willing to work longer hours to make sure your students stay up to speed while they are away from your classroom... you are a saint! I already feel you aren't paid enough but knowing you don't do this profession for the money you truly are an amazing human being. Thank you for loving the kids that come through your schools and your classrooms unconditionally and wanting to see them be the best version of themselves possible with you as their cheerleader. (Home school parents you have huge kudos too) You are loved and appreciated!

Small business owners, I am also one of those, you guys are an amazing bunch of dedicated people who push through the hardest times to live the American Dream. We work hard to create jobs for others and do everything we can to keep our customers happy. We know this isn't easy and yet we show up every single day ready to tackle the day ahead. Y'all are some incredible people and we are in this together. We have banded together to support one another in good times and bad. You are loved and appreciated!


You guys, if I missed anyone it wasn't on purpose. Please don't take offense. I am trying to wrap my mind around everything and so many thoughts run through my head. I just have to get these thoughts out of my mind so I can process and think with a little more clarity each day.