Family First

This Coronavirus seems to be getting worse here in the states.  We had a positive case here where I live and it's spreading rapidly.  As of today over 352 in Texas and 8 deaths so far.  Here in North Texas where we live there are 290 cases and 6 deaths, 10 have recovered!  I was lucky to go and in to get my haircut on Wednesday because they have closed all hair salons as of Sunday.  Dallas issued a stay-at-home order for the county starting today, Monday until April 3rd.  All businesses in Dallas except for Essential Businesses are required to cease.  Only business allowed to stay open are grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, etc.  I got a feeling Fort Worth will be next depending on people infected with this virus.  

It seems to be the only thing on TV news and it's stressful to watch.  My mom is getting depressed because we haven't been going over to see her as much because we want to protect her and states she's going to dye of sadness.  My little brother got her an Amazon Alexa so that we can call her and she can see us on video.  I'm so grateful that she only lives two house from me and I'm able to go and check on her.  I try to eat dinner with her and visit her a couple hours here and there.  I want her to go with me to park and walk, but she is too scared.  She's in her 70s and we all want to protect her.  All of her kids will now be able to video chat with her.  Now, I just have teach her to to use it until she can feel comfortable doing it herself.  Yes, even my mama is having to figure out the digital world we live in.  I wonder what my dad would think of all of this.  I'm sure he's watching from above.

As for me, well I continue to relieve my stress by running outside with Dash and Noah following us on his bike.  I tell Noah, I'll be the one to have his health/PE covered everyday :) We've been having some great conversations and really enjoy my time with him.  He has very interesting questions about everything happening.  Heck, he even knows more than me about some things because he's in tune learning things online!  I've been giving him some core content subject lessons to do at home from  our school district website.  They have prepared some lesson plans for all subjects and grades which makes it easy to plan.  I have included Spanish :).  After this week teachers will be teaching classes to their students via digital learning online.  This week we will take some training classes online, having zoom meeting to work on the logistics of how it will work.  I continue to work online and have ARD meetings with co-workers, administrator team/staff meetings, and helping with passing out school meals to our students and help out any way I can.  This is nice to get out to see staff, students and parents come together to make this new way of schooling work for all.

Never in my life did I think this would happen and it's scary, but we will all get through this.  Have to stay optimistic and positive.  People all over just need to do their part and listen.  Please practice social distancing and wash your hands.  In the meantime, please cherish your family time and keep on working on your fitness!