Because I’m on the front porch (again), self-isolating, I’m missing all the parenting that I should be doing. I hear some overly emotional wailing from Thing 1 and hear her anguish as she walks up the stairs, likely banished to her bedroom for some period of time.
I should explain we’re old-school parents. Any disrespect quickly moves the child to their own self-isolation (aka naughty time) in their bedroom. Thing 1 is a particularly complex child, very bright, and very feeling. She reminds me of the quote from Jeanette Winterson’s GUT Symmetries:
I tried to mimic other children, but lacked their tough skin. I was a glove turned inside out, softness showing.
-Jeanette Winterson, GUT Symmetries
Thing 1 is, of course, far tougher than I ever was.
It feels like I’ve been benched as a parent. And this could last for a couple more weeks. I have SO MANY QUESTIONS. Do I have to still self-isolate within my own household for 2 weeks AFTER my symptoms go away????
Peter is going to come out and hang some floaty curtains on the front porch. I’m on the dangerous edge of becoming That-Crazy-Lady-Who-Calls-Out-To-People-Walking-By-On-The-Sidewalk. And it feels very public. It’s cool out here today, but Mama Mia (my mom) gave me a heated blanket last year, so I’m hooked in and chillaxing. If you can call it that. The body aches are for real. I’m going to try some very non-vigorous yoga today later if I feel up to it to see if that helps.
A neighbor might be able to get me a hook up on a test. This would help. It would be great if this were some other ick virus and I could go back to being my normal infections self instead of my “potentially-COVID-19-infectious-self”.
Thing 2 came out to read me the next few lines of his monologue he’s working on with Grandpa Neil. It’s the final monologue from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has a little issue with his “R’s” so the speed of the line about Hecate’s team came off in a bit of a single word instead of a line.
I love the language from Midsummer. Such an amazing play.
More later. I’m creating a list of things to do in self-isolation. Who knew I’d have so much time on my hands now that my brain appears to be functioning (or mostly functioning) again? It’s like I’m single. I’m not caring for anyone. It’s weird.
-Socially Distant Mom
P.S. There’s always the question of – Is a coronavirus meme funny or inappropriate? I’m going with funny because laughter is good for your immune system.
Socially Distant Mom 
Love your gift of writing Sasha! I too am a writer, which typical we also love to ‘talk’ or speak or connect somehow with not only our hearts, but our voices. At least for me. I’ve thought about your gift of writing…it inspires me. You choice of words are perfectly precise as they speak to the matters at hand in the right ‘tone’. Yes, we all need to laugh ~ a lot ~ and then a lot more! Your funnies seem to settle in the right places at the right times for the right reasons. I am so sorry you are experiencing your own ‘personal lockdown’ with this virus. I’m praying for comfort physically and emotionally for you during this time. I’m praying for speedy healing and wholeness, trusting that our bodies were made perfectly and can and will restore themselves to whole health. It’s an inside out job. Not an outside in one. I’m also sensing that God’s mighty hand is upon you during this time to reveal an even bigger purpose for you that what you already know. Love you sweet on! Carry on! You amaze me! Thank you. Love, Aunt Linda
LikeLike
You are the sweetest Aunt Linda:)
LikeLike