In early November, I stepped out of the shower only to find that I was completely alone at home. Wrapped in a towel, I paused to soak in the silence, a luxury I hadn’t experienced in what felt like an eternity — perhaps since March. That was when everything changed: the world went into lockdown, my job shifted to remote work, my partner’s job transitioned to online teaching, and our three kids started their virtual learning journey.
As a father of three, I’ve been yearning for some alone time since my son was born in 2007. I recognize that fathers often get more solitary moments than mothers, and I want to acknowledge that here. When my partner was a stay-at-home mom before teaching, she spent countless hours with our little ones, often wishing for a break.
However, this post isn’t a competition about who gets more time alone. What I want to express is that in 2020, with everyone working and learning from home, solitude has become a rare and precious commodity, as elusive as a mirage in the desert.
With COVID-19 still a threat, there are no playdates, birthday parties, or outings to community pools. Winter in Oregon means no hiking or river visits unless we fancy braving the rain. My home has turned into a chaotic mix of toys, snacks, and open laptops.
Once a week, I send my partner, Sarah, into our bedroom for a few hours of peace, and I get the same treatment. Those few hours are blissful, but they don’t compare to having the entire house to myself. No sounds of running or fighting, no requests for snacks or pleas for more screen time.
So, when I stepped out of that shower and realized I was alone, I was taken aback by the tranquility. I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Part of me thought about my family vanishing into a magical realm, perhaps through a wardrobe, but honestly, I didn’t mind. I just wanted to enjoy the stillness of the home without my family.
After drying off, I slipped into some underwear. I considered putting on more clothes but decided against it; I wanted to savor this moment. I thought about watching a show or calling a friend, but instead, I chose the most logical adult response: I retrieved some popsicles from the freezer, sat at the kitchen table in my undies, and relished the silence.
Yes, I know it might not be the most appealing image to picture a middle-aged dad in his underwear devouring popsicles, but trust me, it was incredible.
I was alone for about 30 minutes before my partner and kids returned from a neighborhood stroll, taking advantage of a rare break in the rain. Surprisingly, I was thankful for their delay. That small window of solitude was, without a doubt, the highlight of my year.
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Summary:
The author reflects on the rarity of alone time while parenting during the pandemic. After enjoying a moment of solitude in his underwear, he savors the simple pleasure of eating popsicles in silence, ultimately finding it to be a highlight of his year.
Keyphrase: Enjoying alone time as a parent
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]