It’s been a surreal day, as I’m sure it’s been for many of you.
Instead of the planned professional development I was supposed to present, I spent the morning packing up my classroom, preparing online lessons and messaging students about classes for the upcoming week. It felt like preparing for summer break but without the excitement.
I stopped at the grocery store on my way home. I’ve been doing my normal Saturday trips, so the pantry was pretty empty.
Of course, so were the store shelves.
It was busy, but not chaotic. A young mom stopped me in the parking lot as I was returning my cart.
“Excuse me. How is it in there?” she asked, looking concerned. “Am I safe bringing in my kids?”
My heart broke. How sad that she worried for her kids’ safety in her own neighborhood.
But I get it.
It’s a surreal day.
My heart broke once again when I glanced at my blog stats and saw, that even while the world goes into a virus-enforced hibernation, people were still turning to Google with their pleas about unwanted divorce, narcissistic exes and experiencing loneliness after divorce.
But of course they are.
Because that’s the most surreal thing about crises – whether they be personal or global – life doesn’t wait.
I’m not sure how much I’ll be posting over the next couple weeks. I should have more time, but I’m not sure I’ll have the right headspace.
Meanwhile, please know I’m thinking of those of you navigating a divorce and this at the same time. I’m with those of you who are alone and missing your former partner now more than ever. My heart goes out to those of you forced to be in the same space with a partner that has been recently discovered to be unfaithful or is being cruel or distant.
It’s hard when crises overlap. You often don’t have bandwidth for both and right now, you may find that others are too overwhelmed with their own stuff to make space for you.
But you’re not alone.
There are wonderful and supportive and welcoming online communities that build each other up every day. Now more than ever is a great time to find your online tribe.
I hope that your family stays safe, your children don’t drive you too crazy and your toilet-paper holders remain full.
It’s a surreal day.
But it’s only a day.
Tomorrow is a new one.
Someone does understand. Thank you.
Bill