The Summer that almost Isn't

    It's the forty eighth of Jumaprblr and week whatever of being in this gd pandemic. I am almost jealous of the red shirts we've been seeing on the news. Note the 'almost' because I am still trying to hang onto some shred of perspective. It's increasingly difficult and so I find myself having to sit down and write out my blessings here - repeatedly.
    We are all together at home, not in a hospital. Our friends are keeping in touch and even hinting at plans for when this is over. I am taking baby steps toward my goal of getting a Master's degree. The expense is a bit of a problem but I'm working on arranging financing. We are lucky that I will be taking my time to spread the expense. The plan is to go half time so I will hopefully be able to work, too. This is assuming schools reopen in the fall. I was also hoping there's a chance that just being involved in the program could lead to a new job.
   My worrying brain won't let go of the usual Summer dread. How do I keep my kid safe and occupied without spending stupid amounts of time on a screen? If there was a camp at all this year, I'm not sure I'd feel safe sending my kid there. The whole thing stinks because I know she's lonely and misses her friends. I still struggle with the screen time overdose as a parent. This could also present some unique opportunities, too. If there won't be a camp to pay for, that money will be freed up for other things.
   There is a blessing in the sense that I am not alone in this. My spouse and I are on the same page, mostly, when it comes to the electronics addict in our home. We are lucky in that we also get some professional help from therapists. I've always said 'It's the ones who think they're just fine that really scare me.' I will take all the help I can get when it comes to parenting problems. Frequently, it's a question of just not wanting to hear the exact same advice from Mom. That, I'm pretty sure, is normal kid operating behavior. Some people never grow out of it.
     The pandemic has, oddly enough produced another benefit. My husband has let me know that he will be working from home all Summer. I understand that he will not be 'free as a bird' per se, but it's really comforting to know he'll at least be around. It helps to quell the panic in the face of all this impending 'togetherness'. It's going to be a long hot Summer. What do you do to keep your cool?