Social Distancing, Part 1: Reflections, Connections, Reality Checksions

I was an English major. I know checksions isn’t a real word. I also know that today is the 11th day my kids were supposed to be in school but aren’t. So yes, I flashed my poetic license. Most days, I am overwhelmed by how lucky we are to have our health, each other, and pretty much everything we need. That’s not to say I haven’t lost perspective along the way. I was far more choked up about Brady’s announcement than I care to admit, and in retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have listened to Kenny Rogers on an endless loop for three days straight. But those pity parties don’t last long, because really, what’s the point? Also, I’m not allowed to invite anyone.

I thought social distancing would be much harder for me. I am notorious for going to great lengths not to be alone. Truth be told, there are really only two things I’ll happily do solo: Drive and shop for groceries. So far, I can still do both. Not very exciting, I know, but… oh, who am I kidding? In the last two weeks, how many of you have practically done cartwheels at the thought of an escape to the market? That’s what I thought. Meanwhile, all the places I dread going alone… restaurants, shows, the beach, even the gym…. have been taken off the table. I suspect I’d miss my friends a lot more if I had to do the things we usually do together without them. Instead I can’t do them at all. 

In many ways, I think social distancing has allowed me to accomplish things I never would have otherwise. In addition to the unprecedented amount of cooking, organizing, purging and donating I’ve done over the last two weeks, social distancing has all but eliminated my unabashed, unadulterated Fear Of Missing Out. I know everyone experiences FOMO to some extent, but it’s no secret that my levels far exceed those of a typical grown woman. Social distancing dictates that while I’m home doing the things I’m supposed to be doing, my friends can’t all be together doing something else, because they can’t all be together… period. This is by far the longest I’ve gone without worrying about what I’m missing because THERE’S NOTHING GOING ON.

Please don’t get me wrong… I also see the bigger picture, and that one’s not so pretty. I see high school and college seniors taking classes from home instead of enjoying this sacred time with friends. Long-awaited rites of passage being postponed or held privately. Loved ones separated during moments when it is just unthinkable to not be together. When I think of what countless others are giving up each and every day, I am reminded that what I’m doing… staying at home with my husband, kids, and two dogs who can’t figure out how they suddenly and miraculously get to be with all of us all of the time… is not a sacrifice. 

I hope that your experience with this “new normal” is similar to mine. Inconvenient, yes. But not unbearable. If you are feeling isolated, please let us know. We’re here for you, and we have resources to share. I truly believe that we can practice social distancing while still feeling an unwavering connection to our extended families, our friends, and to our incredible Bauercrest community. FaceTime, Zoom, and HouseParty have been lifelines for me. (Warning: If you inadvertently hit the wrong button at the wrong time, there’s very little difference between these apps and someone walking through your front door unannounced. So wear clothes. That’s all I’m saying.)

Throughout all of this, there is one thing we know for sure: Our kids need camp now more than ever. And let’s face it… so do you. Ken’s been working with the staff on programming. I’ve started putting bunks together. Candice has created a task list for us that, quite frankly, I’m a little afraid to open. Camp is still three months away. Even under normal circumstances, that’s like forever in camp time. So stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home. And know that we are doing everything in our power to give your boys… and you… the summer you all deserve.

xo,

stacy