Quarantine has definitely been rough on many. Finding the new normal, and adjusting life to still connect with others in ways that brings a semblance of love, warmth and happiness to each other’s lives has been a crucial shift for mental and emotional health. It’s easy to feel forgotten during these times when you’re hunkered down alone at home. This story, shared by one of our Storyblender’s on our Storyblend Facebook Group, is one that is a reminder that a simple act can go a long way in making someone else’s day.
“I can tell it’s time to get up. The amount of sunlight peeking through the blinds and the pressure in my bladder, screams GETUP. I roll over dislodging the cat that still clings to my side. I don’t need a weighted blanket as long as he lives.
I hit the button to heat up the coffee pot and go to shush my bladder.
I put the pod in and push the button. Black gold streams into my cup. The smell of early morning ecstasy wakens my brain as the steam from the cup assaults my nostrils.
It’s Mother’s Day. I am thinking it’s just another day in quarantine for me. I am immune compromised. I haven’t left my house or seen anyone close up since the beginning of March. Well except hubby. He and I have been hibernating, social distancing from everyone together. We celebrated his birthday early in March with the kids and grandkids. Mine would be in April. Birthday cake would be on Easter. That didn’t happen. Birthday lost, Easter lost, Mother’s Day would be lost, too. I figure that’s ok, us moms always sacrifice.
I pick up my coffee cup. I look at the semi stale cinnamon rolls Instacart delivered a few days ago. I tossed them in the trash thinking – I am not taking a chance on Covid-19 or food poisoning. The cat does figure 8’s through my legs. I am not sure if he really wants food or if his ultimate goal is to trip me. I give him some 9 lives to distract him long enough so that I can go to my chair in the living room.
I cradle my cup in both hands. Damn it’s cold for May. I glance out the window. Is that rain, snow or maybe, sleet. I think to myself – oh, who cares, I’m not going out anyplace anyhow. The cat strolls out from the kitchen and vomits kibbles of 9 lives on the rug. Oh yayyyy happy Mother’s Day from the only baby in my house, the gift from the fur baby.
So I take my liquid gold and my link to the outside world (thank you iPhone). I get a notification alert – ‘you have an amazon gift card’. Oh cool. My daughter who is super busy working 80 plus hours a week at a Covid only hospital sent me a gift card. Nice. I can shop. I love you. And you work too hard.
Daughter #2. Meaning the second born not #2 as in on the list… She texts. ‘Where do you want lunch from???’ Omg. I have been on lock down for over 50 days!!!!! This is the woman who cooks twice a week and wants any food!
Someone else cooks. Damn…. let me think girl… as I am conjuring thoughts of wood oven pizzas and bbq wings. I give it some thought and tell her Duffs Wings for sure. So her and my granddaughter make me the best cookies in the world and deliver lunch – to die for. She’s also working an essential job and teaching first grade. Where does she find the time for all this?
I’ll drink my brew and check my mail. Ahhhh my first born. Email received, it’s a target gift card. Yes, she is teaching from home. Her hubby is working from home. She has a two year old at home. She still knew I would love Target.
So here I was, thinking all of my girls are essential workers, they are busy and I expect nothing, but not one of them forgot me. One worked a busy shift at a hospital, god knows what she faced. One worked at her computer in an office alone, but made sure payroll was done so others could get paid too. And one enriched the minds of children.
None of them forgot mom!
I’m off to go shopping.”
