Before. During. And After.3/21/2020 I had to write or type something, but I don’t even know how to do this right now. There’s a lot of stuff going on and it’s changing daily. It’s a strange, crazy time in our history right now, and we will be changed people because of it. Also? If I hear the words, “fluid situation,” “monitoring its progression,” or “social distancing” one more time, I may just hurt someone. Necessary to be spoken and written, to be sure. But, doesn’t change the fact that I’m sick of it and just want to curtail this madness so that we can begin the long road of recovery. Strange times, indeed.
Before COVID-19: My kids were in college and highschool. Homework was done. They walked to the stores and McDonald’s with friends and hung out as late as I’d let them. They helped with chores. And wanted their turns borrowing the car. I went to work every day where I enjoyed my job as a Marketing Coordinator for a large law firm. I got to write, work on website design, coordinate events and assist with presentations. I love my work family, and my old team that we lovingly refer to as the “Rock Room” are some amazing women and great friends. I went to the gym nearly every day after work, and on the weekends. I cooked most nights, and we’d order carry out usually once a week. During COVID-19: My kids are now at home, doing online education. My daughter had to pack up and move out of the dorms. Concerts, performances, school musicals, dances, and countless other things have been canceled. Homework is still done daily. They walk to the park or ride their bike around the neighborhood. They text and facetime their friends as late as I let them. They help with chores, even more so now. They don’t borrow the car now, because I don’t really let them go anywhere except a very rare trip through the drive-thru for ice cream. I no longer go into work every day, as pursuant to the Governor's order, my firm has had to temporarily close the office, with only attorneys and a small staff working remotely from home. I no longer get to do the job I enjoy so much, and quite frankly it’s left me a bit lost. I do, however, have more time to write for myself, read, draw, paint, and get all those projects I’ve been meaning to do done around my house. I still love my work family, and I especially love the women from the Rock Room, who, in these strange times, have definitely been rocks for me. I can’t go to the gym anymore since it’s closed, but I have gone for long walks and runs around the neighborhood. I still cook every night, but ordering carryout will now be a luxury, since my income just took a drastic hit. I now have extra canned goods and dry goods on hand, “just in case.” But a plus? I think I’ve washed every bit of dirty laundry in the house, and I even washed my bedding and get to sleep on clean sheets tonight! (Which, for the records, is one of life’s greatest little pleasures.) After COVID-19: Who knows? I know my kids will be kinder and more appreciative of things. I know their brains and bodies were pushed during the pandemic, even in the midst of upheaval. I hope I can return to work and be even better at my job than before, with a newfound appreciation for doing what I love. I know I will try to save more, and enjoy the company of those I love more. I’m looking forward to seeing my favorite people in the flesh and hugging them tight... all those little things we take for granted. Perhaps this was the universe’s way of pushing the reset button on us. Has this stupid virus turned our world upside down? Yes. Has it completely ruined our lives? No. Not really. Not yet. And we have the power to alter its course. I don’t care what social status you’re from. I don’t care what job you have. Or don’t have. I don’t care if you are a student. Or a teacher. Or a professional. What I care about is the health of humanity. Not the nation. Not my country. Humanity. We should want to continue. There’s a lot of stuff in today’s world that pushes against us. So I’m asking you to push back. Just do the right thing. You know in your heart what it is. I’m not going to bring up politics, or religion, or anything else. Because in the end, it’s not about that. It’s about being kind, compassionate, and doing the right thing for the person next to you. For the person across from you. For the person you might not even know. Stay home. Stay away from people. Push your reset button. Follow the guidelines. Take the very best care of your health and those around you and we will get through this OK. Stop panicking. Stop freaking out. Just do the right thing. There will be life after COVID-19. I’m sure in some ways it will be drastically different. And, in others, it will be very much the same. Let’s just all try to get there in one piece and not kill anyone along the way. Hmmm? Now go do the right thing. And don’t forget to wash your hands.
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March One.3/1/2020 March 1st. Just another day in 365. This one holds some significance for my family, though. 731 days ago, (thanks, Leap day), the man who brought me into this world, left it. March 1, 2018, was the day that my dad, Dan (Danny, to many), died. Was I sad? A bit. But mostly just nostalgic. Everyone grieves in their own way. For me, the months leading up to this date were worse. November and December (my daughter’s birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) were much more difficult for me. This day, however, was different. I woke up knowing THE date. I also knew my kids knew THE DATE. My two daughters were whisked away by my sister and her husband for a pancake breakfast, while my son and I opted to sleepily stay at home. After some coffee infusion, and a chat with a dear friend (who cheered my dad’s memory) I absent-mindedly decided to make chili. My dad liked my chili. Then I texted my brother. And then my sis. And all of a sudden-spur-of-the moment - we were all gathering at my house with chili and cheers in memory of dad. That was okay. That was a good thing. Sometimes, the best things aren’t planned. They aren’t thought about and mulled over-- and thought about again, over and over. Sometimes, the best things in life, Just. Happen. They just happen. I missed my dad and remembered my dad today. I know all my brothers and sisters did. Especially my mom. And My kids. They loved and missed their papa. He was the new guy. A guy I learned to know and love in a whole new way. Because the papa they knew, wasn’t the dad I knew. At all. But they were both great guys. Great Men. I don’t know why I write about these moments sometimes. They are jibberish at moments. A lot of jibber-jabber -- as one of my best friends once said. But still. I write them. And maybe they resonate with some. Thank you for reading. And for connecting with me. Be good people. Be kind. One day, a loved one will pass. And you will have a 2-year-later moment. And I hope in that moment, you feel that they are THERE. Would they be happy with where and how you are? Would they be happy with you doing….saying..." they were" or "would be happy if..." They ARE happy and smiled with you. Cheers, Dad. Love you. AuthorJulie Cassar, Best Selling Archives
September 2023
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