Learning from the Pandemic

Since most of 2020 we were going through the Covid Pandemic (and technically still are), I wanted to write down some thoughts about it.

Things we missed because of pandemic:

• Swimming pools, especially while I was pregnant during the Summer.
• Family get togethers.
• Regular grocery shopping (not big lines or things out of stock ie toilet paper, Clorox wipes)
• We couldn't go fishing or recreate outside our county for a while
• "Normal" school ie they were closed.
• Playing w/ friends.
• Steve missed hours in clinical hours.
• Not worrying about the virus.
• Going to church and church activities.
• No swimming lessons.

Things we learned from the pandemic:

• When we did get together during the pandemic it was extra special.
• Importance of family.
• We can use Zoom/Duo to communicate w/ friends/family members.
• We can also affectively use Zoom for work meetings/appointments. 
• Nothing replaces in person interactions though.  We all need human face to face contact.  We get strength and unity by being together.
• Dogs help us emotionally.
• Stop complaining about it; it's happening so embrace it.
• We've learned more about our boys.
• Use time wisely
• Enjoy the little things, savor the moments.
• We can work together to solve the pandemic (globally).
• Do things together that are meaningful.
• Restaurants and stores have become more efficient w/ takeout/drive up to get your food or items (don't have to go in the place to get it).
• Prepare for the future.  If you are prepared you won't fear.
• Have a 72 hour kit.
• Life moves too quickly and people don’t slow down long enough to see their lives pass by. The virus has shown us that life doesn’t need to fly by so quickly. We can enjoy the moment more.
• Prioritizing our relationships with family and friends
• The importance of health and wellness
• We really don’t need to spend as much as we usually do
• Decreasing pollution benefits us and the planet
• Wearing masks works, not only to slow/stop Coronavirus, but also other viruses like the flu.  There has been a huge decrease this year.
• We don’t need much to be happy.
• We need to have an emergency fund.
• We need to slow down.
• Mental health is important.
• To appreciate and love each other.

Things we are grateful for from the pandemic:

• Steve was still able to finish/graduate
• We got Piper.  
• Ability to work from home more, and 100% now, which will hopefully continue.  
• It's allowed me to go back to work full time after maternity leave w/out missing the baby as much, still hold him, see him, cuddle.  I can still nurse while working.
• The boys have been able to continue their education online
• We've grown close together more as a family.  
• We've been able to spend more time together as a family.
• We've had more family dinners (almost every night now).
• We've been able to have FHE/Come Follow ME more.
• The boys have become better friends- playing together and communicating w/ each other.
• Family prayer happens regularly (daily).
• It's reassuring to know we have an emergency fund.
• We appreciate the outdoors, being able to get out of the house.
• We are grateful to have our backyard to run around.  
• Also grateful to have a trampoline to get energy out, our playhouse, sandbox, and bikes for the kids to ride.  
• We live on a circle which allows more room to play.
• Grateful for our home and the space we do have.
• We're thankful for our boys teachers and we don't have to teach them all ourselves.
• To be thankful for our blessings.