Coronavirus 2020

Well, I thought it would be smart to take a minute to write out some of my feelings about what's happening in the world right now.

Earlier in the year, maybe late 2019, a new virus started in China, COVID19. It spreads quick, we're unaware of the origin and it's quite deadly. It sounds like something from a movie. But after just a couple months of running its course in China, and a number of other countries, we started seeing cases of the virus in the US.

It's only been 2 weeks since the first cases were discovered in the US, but already, there are thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths. In just two weeks, our normal life has completely changed. We are being asked to "flatten the curve". Essentially, by distancing our immediate families from others, we're hoping to see the spike of cases of the virus spread out and make a small hump. This will help keep the virus from completely debilitating our medical facilities. In other areas of the world, they are running out of space and supplies to help people who are dying from the virus.

On top of "flattening the curve", schools across the country have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. Currently, in SC, we are out until the beginning of April, but many areas are out longer and many are extending it still. Kansas just announced that they will be out for the remainder of the school year. Elliott is in second grade this year. With just hours notice, her school closed and her teachers took the next 48 hours to prepare a completely new eLearning program to get all their materials for the next 2.5 weeks uploaded to the web. It's heartbreaking, but understandable. Elliott adores her teacher and I'm sad that she may not get to be in her class again this year. I can't really think about it too hard.

Today marks day 4 of our social distancing. We are staying home, doing school from home, and trying to keep distance from anyone and everyone to help avoid the spread of the disease.

Unfortunately, you can have the virus for a couple weeks before seeing any symptoms, so many people are spreading it unknowingly. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to affect kids or young adults much at all. It's pretty grim for those in the over 60 range and anyone with compromised immune systems.

The hardest part of all this has been keeping my mental health in check. It's difficult to tune out the rumors, the news, the talk, etc. People are bombarding social media with things they've heard (the national guard will be stepping in and keeping people in their homes, things like that). When you are home all day, with nowhere to be or go, it's hard to not let your mind wander to the potential what-ifs of the situation.

Josh is still working. There isn't anything to make us think that will change anytime soon. What he does isn't really possible from home, so we're hoping he'll be able to continue to work, while practicing safe distancing and keeping his hands washed, etc.

The virus is consuming every conversation, every thought and just about every second of my day. It's affecting my sleep (on top of the little baby boy growing inside me). Last night after sleeping for three hours, Josh and I woke up to Piper at our bedside (twice) with an upset stomach. After settling her back to bed, we woke up to Scout walking out of her room. Once we got her back to bed, I spent the next two hours just in my head. I was aware of every sound, and I felt like I was going crazy. My thoughts were irrational and mostly based in fear. But I couldn't shake any of it. It's scary to feel completely comfortable with your life and your routine and have that completely stripped from you in just a matter of days.

On top of school being closed, the church has stopped all church meetings worldwide. No church on Sundays, no meetings, no mutual, no seminary, no proxy temple work (live ordinances only), the list goes on. Imagine having your entire schedule wiped clean in a matter of minutes. We went from a full month of activities, school functions, church responsibilities, and family trips to nothing. Nothing. It's all gone.

I'm trying hard to surround myself with positivity. But there isn't a ton going on. I'm thankful for the laughter that we've had in all this (toilet paper memes for days). I'm also thankful for those who are sharing their talents and knowledge with the world. Singers are doing online concerts, artists are doing free youtube tutorials for kids, authors are reading books online, the list goes on and on.

China is seeing drastic decreases in the spread of the virus, so I know that it will end here too. But the unknown is terrifying and I fear that we are just in the beginning.

All we can do is pray for our safety and for our country. And just keep on chugging.