It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since COVID-19 made its way to the United States, transforming lives in unimaginable ways. In my household, we refer to it as “The New Flu.” This label stuck after I mentioned it once back in April 2020, and my kids, being so literal, embraced it. When the pandemic began, my daughters were in Pre-K and a second year of preschool. March 13, 2020, marked the end of their in-person schooling, and here we are, still navigating those uncharted waters.
While I don’t regret my choice to keep them home, especially considering my youngest’s compromised immune system, I can’t help but mourn the social experiences they missed out on. Moving to Pennsylvania only months before the pandemic hit, I had barely settled in before everything changed. By Halloween 2020, I was officially divorced and eager to embrace life as a single woman, but the universe had other plans.
With a year gone by, I find myself regretting not establishing deeper connections with others in my community. We have some casual friends, but they don’t always adhere to safety measures, which is disheartening. It’s frustrating to realize that I moved us to an area where following guidelines feels optional. We do have one family that we consistently met for masked outdoor playdates, braving the summer heat and foggy glasses together. It was less than ideal, but we made it work for the sake of friendship.
As a single mother, I cannot afford any lapses in safety. My priority is keeping my children and my elderly parents safe from this virus. I’ve had to swallow my frustration as I watched block parties take place throughout the winter. Our bubble remained small, and I had to accept that we couldn’t join in on the festivities. “Safe” means being vaccinated, and I anxiously await my turn. As a healthy 34-year-old, I’m hoping to receive my first dose by the end of May 2021. But what about my girls? I want them to start First Grade and Kindergarten in public school this fall; I can only hope that becomes a reality.
I wish I could say that the quarantine helped me rediscover myself, but it instead forced me to confront both my failures and strengths head-on. The weight of it all has been overwhelming, and with no applause from the sidelines, I’ve had to push through. I discovered I have ADHD and embarked on a quest for answers, navigating multiple medications that didn’t suit me. I’m still searching for the right solution, but I remain hopeful for my future and that of my children.
Despite the challenges, I’m grateful for the time I’ve had at home with them. My mother, a retired teacher, has been a tremendous help with virtual kindergarten, as I try to prepare my youngest for school. However, the daily grind is still tough. If I see one more post proclaiming “there is light at the end of the tunnel,” I might scream. True hope lies in vaccination for all, and until I get that one-dose J&J vaccine, I’ll keep a cautious outlook while teaching my daughters to maintain a positive perspective.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the challenges faced by a single mother during the COVID-19 pandemic, including feelings of isolation, the struggle for social connections, and the impact on her children’s education. It highlights the importance of safety, the emotional toll of the situation, and the hope for a return to normalcy as vaccinations roll out.
Keyphrase: Single mom challenges during pandemic
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