In times like this we humans are programed to search for previous similar experiences in order to figure out how to cope. What did we do last time that can help us here? The closest we have to this was tropical storm Sandy. We lost power for four days and had to live with my parents then.
Sandy happened in October - early November in 2012. Zach was three years old. He was in preschool at the time and his school closed after loosing power for days. We moved in with my parents. He slept on a cot in the living room while Josh and I slept in the family room nearby.
This time, our town went into semi-lock down in the afternoon the Friday before St. Patrick's Day. That day was a half day. Kids had to leave school with everything from their regular locker and their gym locker. Zach had two backpacks and a tote bag with his gym cloths. We didn't know but, we prepared for it to be the last day in school. Recreational activities were closed after that point as well.
All school properties were closed off and the town issued strong recommendations for staying home and social distancing. All of this was a few days before Gov. Murphy locked down NJ. He tried two days later. But, a lot of people weren't taking it seriously. So, the Sunday after St. Patrick's Day meant stronger restrictions and enforcement. The official start of the lockdown. It's for our safety and it's working!
In addition to drawing Zach has learned how to make bacon and scrambled eggs. We also have been watching a lot of Teen Nick's "Henry Danger". It's about a kid who becomes a superhero's sidekick as an afterschool job. The series ended recently, replaced by spinoff "Danger Force". But, Zach always liked the show and I liked the bits and pieces I have seen over the years. So, we are watching the whole series together.
Zach uses my old bedroom at my parents house for school. We spend so much time together we are locked in together even though we live apart. Lately, he wants me to stay later after drop off and come earlier for pick up. He calls during his lunch break. He loves that house but wants to be with me when schooling from home.
Because the closest thing he has ever experienced to this was Sandy when we stayed with my parents. He is processing what is going on here through trying to replicate his past experience. I think a lot of us are doing that. When we were stuck home with Sandy, what did we do? When we had to stock up as she climbed her way north, how did we prepare? Are we doing those same things now?
Everyone in this country has experienced some form of natural disaster. Where we had to stock up, were stuck home, and life looked different. But, usually that's for a few days at most. It's nothing like what we are experiencing now. We are reaching a new level of creativity.
We also are balancing the fine line between family time enjoyment and getting outright sick of each other! We have to do things together. Social interaction is important and the ones at home with you are the best source. But, we all need personal time and space too. I suspect some of us have found a balance and others haven't.
He's having his March of 1993 moment. I was 12 in March of 1993. I was in the 6th grade, the first year at the same school Zach is in. Also, his first year in that school. It was called the storm of the century. More info in the Wikipedia link below. From March 12th to the 15th it traveled north starting in the gulf of Mexico. It was huge and effected so many people and places. A massive blizzard leaving a lot of damage and lost power in it's wake. Trenton, NJ got 14.8 inches of snow. I suspect we got somewhere around there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Storm_of_the_Century
I was old enough to understand what was going on but, young enough to still have a lot of questions. Zach is like that now. He understands what is going on. He understands what we are doing and why. But, he's bored and frustrated. Much like me in 1993, he knows it will go back to normal but, hates not knowing when.
Slowly, things will get back to normal. But, this is an experience we will never forget. We will learn lessons from this. We will have stories from this time. But, the more we are locked down until it is safe, the better off everyone will be. If it comes back, we have to do this all again. If we wait long enough now, we might not have to do this all again.
We can process all that is happening by searching our memories. That blizzard led to my first ever baby sitting job. Neighbors a few houses up the street. That led to a regular baby sitting job the next year. It felt like the snow would never melt away. But, it did. Yes, before the 4th of July. As it was falling, we had no idea if it would be gone by then. It didn't feel like it.
That's how we feel now. Will this ever end? Yes, but it will take time. It needs to be handled in ways few still alive have seen. Those alive for the 1918 flu pandemic were way too young to remember anything from it! Technology is making this a lot easier though!
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